And oh what a year!

While the past decade has held a lot of big events and firsts for me (getting my own apartment, graduating from university, making my first pro short story sales, signing with an agent), the two biggest happened in 2009: the publication of my first novel, GIVE UP THE GHOST, and the purchase of my first house. So while there have definitely been ups and downs along the way, I can say with great certainty that this decade has ended well. 🙂

But what’s made it especially wonderful are all the amazing people I’ve met during that time. I can’t begin to thank my critique partners, fellow Debs and 2K9ers, and readers enough for all their support over the years, particularly this past one. You all are awesome!

I also read a number of excellent books this year. A few of my faves (not all published in 2009):

WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson
THE TREASURE MAP OF BOYS by E. Lockhart
THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z by Kate Messner
UN LUN DUN by China Mieville
SHADOWED SUMMER by Saundra Mitchell (technically read last year, but didn’t list it because it wasn’t out yet)
NATION by Terry Pratchett

And like most people, I’ve looking toward 2010 with goals in mind. Many of the things I’d like to accomplish are beyond my control, but the ones that are:

-Finish at least one more novel.
-Do at least one event for the paperback of GHOST (assuming there is a paperback; I haven’t gotten confirmation on this).
-Furnish and decorate at least one room of the new house so it looks “finished” (budget restricts us from doing the whole thing at once).
-Attend kung fu class at least once a week unless impossible, and earn my blue sash.
-Top secret goal writing-related I cannot share on this blog. 🙂

Thanks for sharing this exciting year with me! I hope the new year brings everything you’re hoping for and more!