Happy New YOU

Farewell, 2014! ...and, err, weird spaceman!

Well, well, well.

2015 has finally arrived. And not a day too soon, huh?

2014 was good. Hell, it was very good. I got a lot of writing done this past year, and even more re-writing and polishing, if that counts. But 2015 is a whole different story. Me, you, everyone – we have another 365 new days to make some progress and take a few steps closer to achieving our dreams...

Here's what I'm aiming for in 2015:


1. Write something new.

Yep! I've been working on the same two babies for the past few years, so it's been a while since I've experienced the adrenaline rush of putting finger to keyboard and banging out a brand new story. That's the most rewarding part of the writing process, in my humble opinion. And I DO have an idea I've been sitting on, one that builds on the space theme I explored in STARBÖARD, and I can't wait to get started on it.

For some inspiration, here's one of my favourite epic space opera themes (from Jet Force Gemini):

Click here to listen to this on YouTube

2. Read with a writer's eye.

2014 was an interesting year of reading for me, mainly because it was mostly a year of RE-reading: going back through novels I'd read long ago, and even some I'd just read recently. Funny thing – I absolutely enjoy reading a book the second time through, even immediately after the first read. When you're not focused on what happens next and learning the characters and their world, you can actually focus on the writing itself – style, voice, methods you want to emulate.

The next time you read a book you like, try flipping right back to page one and reading it again – this time with a writer's eye.


3. Help other writers grow.

Writing can be an isolating, solitary adventure – let's not kid ourselves. But even though most of our work is done alone, it doesn't mean we don't have anything to share. I've learned so much over the past 3+ years, from the publishing process, to the writing process, to executing with a purpose, I don't know how I ever managed before. This year I want to pass those golden nuggets on to other writers.

Here, and in person (hello, author meet ups!), I want to get out of my dark writer cave and help other writers GROW. Like a tree. So they can become as creative as this:

Click here to watch this on YouTube

Ah... I'm a kid again...

What about you? What are YOU aiming for in 2015? Let me know by commenting below!