In some ways this year felt like a decade. It’s been long and hard. I’m not only talking about politics, world events or life in general. I’m talking about my writing life.

I worked on the editing, formatting and cover design of my new novel, The Love Labyrinth. Don’t misunderstand–I handed it over to the pros to edit, format, etc. But we all know that the author has to do the preliminary work as well as make the final decisions.

I felt like my eyes were bleeding from reading, editing and just looking at words so much. My fellow writers know what I’m talking about.

Then finally, the self-publishing aspect of it was upon me and once completed, like a mother bird, I set my book free.

Along with marketing, marketing and more marketing.

Did I say marketing?

Not to mention working on my blog and social media sites.

I also worked on two other manuscripts this year but my novel, The Love Labyrinth, sucked most all of the air out of the room, figuratively speaking.

At other times, 2017 flew by like a whirlwind. Still, there were some things I wanted to do that didn’t come to pass: A month-long blog tour I got to participate in–except when it was almost time to showcase my own novel.

Shortly after that, when it came time to launch my book, I wasn’t able to have a blowout book launch like I wanted. Both ended up curtailed as a result of the same thing, an illness that hit me hard and without warning.

I did manage to publicize it on all of my social media sites and on other blogs.

Despite those things that didn’t come to pass, I spent considerable time and money this year participating in blog tours, having bloggers review it (still hoping that more will be forthcoming, hint, hint), book festivals and fairs. Finally, I had The Love Labyrinth developed, along with narrator Arnetta Ellinwood, into an audiobook and promoted several audiobook giveaways. I’m proud that I have three versions of The Love Labyrinth for purchase now.

I can say to myself that I have done all that I can do and hope to have the other two manuscripts that I’ve been working on their way soon as well.

Here’s to a healthy and prosperous 2018!