I built, stocked and kept a tropical aquarium. When I remarked over breakfast one day last year that I'd quite like a fish tank in my study, I had in mind something small and simple. Maybe a couple of goldfish or something sitting next to my monitor. I never expected my wife and daughters to club together at Christmas and buy me big tank with filters and pumps and lights and furniture and plants and books and everything. I found it quite daunting actually, because unlike dogs and cats these creatures depend on me completely and I discovered it's horribly easy for things to go wrong in such a closed environment. But I learned, and we've made it through our first year okay, and I love having this quiet glowing community in my study.
Changed from using a PC to a Mac. Now that was a leap, but I'm glad I made it and I doubt I'll ever go back. I love my shiny new machine.
Had two novels published in the same year. The Weaverfields Heir in spring and Quarter Square in the summer. Holy juggling edits, Batman!
Started a series. My Wild Times urban fantasy world with Carina.
Planned a project with a co-author. It's a cyberpunk series that Emma Shortt and I are very excited about. I'll be opening a new file as soon as I've posted this and will start writing Chapter 1 today. :)
Became a grandad! Sebastian arrived in October and he is gorgeous!
So, what have you done for the first time this year?
Ohhhhh, love the picture of Sebastian, and I love his name, too. That's a biggie for your family, and I'm so excited for you. :0)
ReplyDeleteFirsts: debut novel published, tweeted on twitter, took out ads and attempted to promote my book! These are all new and daunting experiences for me. Great post, David. Thanks.
Congratulations again on your grandson, what a sweetie! Good luck with that aquarium, sounds as if it's going well so far....
ReplyDeleteCongrats on becoming a grandfather! The picture of Sebastian is so sweet!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your collaborative work!
Congrats on all your firsts!
ReplyDeleteI posted my first serious sock pattern on Ravelry, and I quit my day job to become a freelancer. It's been a bit rocky but, overall, I am much happier.
@Barbara Those a great firsts. Well done! And thank you. We're all head over heels in love with him.
ReplyDelete@Veronica Thanks again. Yes, it's had its moments but we're on a steady course now. (Touch wood.)
@Maria Thank you. Isn't he precious?
@Deb Thank you and well done to you too! You took a huge leap there and I'm very glad it's working well for you.
I love Sebastian's name, too. :) Congrats again! This year I had my first novella and first novel published after many years of trying to "break through," and I sat on a panel for the first time at World Fantasy Convention, which was an awesome experience.
ReplyDeleteIsn't Seb sweet.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a great post. Much nicer to count blessings than worry about New Year resolutions.
Usually I write my first drafts longhand, but this year I challenged myself to write a novella straight onto the computer. While there were a few times where my brain flipped into edit mode instead of creative mode, I did it.
ReplyDelete@Jane Thanks again! Your firsts are awesome!
ReplyDelete@Jenny He's beautiful. Thanks. :)
@Shona That's a big jump. Well done!
Oh what a beautiful baby :)
ReplyDeleteBy the end of the year, I will have two books published.
I have a brand new grandbaby myself.
Congratulations, Donna! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, this has been a year of many firsts for me. The two worth mentioning here are that I went to New York City for the first time ever and got published. I hope 2012 brings us all many blessings of happy "firsts."
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your firsts, Angela!
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