Wednesday 4 December 2013

IWSG - Dec

Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh

Co-hosts for the December 4 posting of the IWSG are Julie Flanders, Heather Gardner, Kim Van Sickler and Elsie is Writing!

Don't forget to check out the IWSG website HERE

As 2013 is starting to draw to a close I have to admit to feeling disappointed about my lack of writing success. I know success can be measured in many ways, not just by having a best seller on my hands,(or any seller for that matter!) however, it still fills me with insecurity. BUT I am trying really hard to stay positive and look ahead to 2014 with renewed energy. The whole idea of starting afresh and creating new opportunities is very appealing. On a personal level this year has been one of the toughest I have ever had. Losing Mum and dealing with everything following that and I know some of that pain will remain for some time to come but I can't let it squash my dreams. Knowing I have supporters and friends out there in blogland has sure helped me come this far, this is a great community and I thank you. I am cheering YOU ALL on too :)

Let's believe in ourselves and each other.



58 comments:

  1. Wishing you lots of success in 2014. Staying positive is the best thing you can do - as soon as you let negativity creep in, you find you stop writing altogether.

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    1. Negativity can be like a poison, I hope that 2014 is brilliant for us all in all sorts of ways!

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  2. I think you should totally give yourself a break, considering the loss of your mum. For me that would totally throw a spanner in all of my works - losing my mum. So don't feel too bad about a lack of writing career progress. Bring on 2014 and a better year for you writing-wise!

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    1. Thanks Trisha I appreciate that. All the best to you in 2014 too.

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  3. Awe...2013 has been a challenge. I'm sorry you lost your mum. Wishing you a happy, successful start to 2014. I've had to learn to set goals for things only I have control over (my writing and not the selling stuffs).
    New starts are beautiful and I wish you well.

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    1. I am looking for the new start and new challenges, Robin. Thank you for your kind words.

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  4. Sorry for the loss of your mother during the year, it must have been very hard for you and your family. Yes, it can be very painful for a long time but that's to be expected when you lose a loved one.
    Don't beat yourself up about your writing Suzanne. You've come this far already and every day is a new day and you just don't know when that door of opportunity will open up. You've got a successful blog with many readers and as long as you continue to promote it, you never know who could be reading your work.
    I'm wishing you lots of successes for 2014 :)

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    1. Thank you so much RPD I do appreciate you taking the time to visit and comment. I am always amazed and refreshed by my many friends in blogland, I wish I could hug you all personally for your never ending support and encouragement.

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  5. Sorry about your mother and everything you had to endure with that situation. It drained you this year, but that doesn't mean next year can't be amazing.

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    1. I do feel drained in many ways but I am trying to look ahead.

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  6. Can`t make things sell, and in them we can`t dwell just have to keep on keeping on

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    1. I'm going to keep on keeping on, that you can depend upon.

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  7. Sorry about your loss. The blogging community is wonderful. I'm thankful for them too. All the best to you in 2014. :)

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  8. Your mum was fortunate to have you there to help. Let's believe for 2014 to be an amazing year for you!

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    1. That is very kind of you to say, Stephen. I hope it brings great things for you too.

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  9. Staying positive is such an important thing; it can make such a difference.

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    1. Keeping a positive mind and outlook can certainly help you along the way, Laura.

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  10. Having a positive attitude is the best way! Hoping for great things in 2014 :)

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  11. I'm so sorry your lost your mother this year, I can imagine how hard that has been as I lost my dad in 2012. I felt like I was in a bit of a fog for the rest of that year.
    Here's hoping for a wonderful 2014 for you!

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    1. It gets you at the strangest of times sometimes, and I think with Christmas coming it has made me feel especially emotional. Thank you Julie for your support, it is much appreciated.

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  12. Way to stay positive. Let's make 2014 rock!

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  13. If there is a better group than writers to promote and help other writers, I don't know what it is. Never give up! Never surrender!

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    1. Writers are the most supportive people I have ever met!

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  14. I'm so sorry about your loss. I couldn't even imagine.

    Sometimes we place too big of expectations on ourselves. I always did and I always felt like I was letting myself down. Look at what you did achieve: how many chapters you wrote, how many blogs you've posted, how many queries and stories you sent out, .etc, and be thankful for that. You achieved a lot! :)

    Best wishes for 2014. :)

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    1. Thanks so much Chrys, I appreciate your kind words and support.

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  15. Yes! Blog-friends in 2013 and bookshelf-buddies in Waterstones in 2014 xxx

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    1. Yay for that! Wouldn't that be fabulous, we could buy new shoes! xx

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  16. Blog friends are supportive!

    Isn't it nice that we have a new year for fresh beginnings?

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  17. Well done you, losing a Mother is one of the toughest things in our lives, and you are very brave.

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  18. Aw, I am so, so sorry about your mum. I can't imagine how difficult that's been for you this year. I hope 2014 treats you well!

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  19. So sorry about your loss. I just lost my mom in Nov. Am still not accepting it. Guess we understand what's happening in each of our lives.

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    1. I'm sorry for your loss too, it is a difficult time in our lives especially with Christmas coming up.

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  20. I agree, this community is amazing.l Whether it's good or bad news we're flooded with support and encouragement- thank you for yours!!

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  21. Hi Suzanne .. it's taken me over a year to feel 'normal' again after losing my mother and the years of care - and I don't have a family to think about. It will take time to adjust - I've just had an awakening - and now feel I really do have a regenerative time ahead .. my mother would have been so supportive, as yours would be too ...

    With many thoughts as Christmas the New Year approach .. all will be well - Hilary

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    1. Thank you Hilary, I do appreciate your words. Best wishes to you over the festive season.

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  22. I have to admit, I get caught up in the fantasy of how a new year is going to be a fresh start. When I was a school girl, all of those new school supplies made me certain that I was going to ace all of my classes. Hope and dreams make the world go 'round!

    I hope 2014 cuts you some slack. Sorry about your mom. I know that pain won't go away, but hoping that it soon becomes easier to deal with. And writing about her should help!

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  23. I love your purple unicorns. Never give up, never surrender. My inner voice often quotes that dialogue from Galaxy Quest in my head. So sorry about your mother but I do believe she is with you still and aware of your achievements. I hope that is an encouragement to you. Thanks for your kind comments on my blog.
    Nancy

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  24. Suzanne, wishing you much success in 2014!

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  25. Next year will bring all sorts of opportunities, I'm sure.

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  26. Amazing things can happen when you persevere, Susanne. I hope the new year is wonderful for you and lifts your spirits. Happy weekend.

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  27. When dealing with grief you have to keep your expectations of yourself very gentle. It's hard enough just to get through the day let alone reach lofty goals. It's good that your realize that it will be a long process of integration before you've "moved on".
    That being said, all the work you've done on yourself in terms of dealing with this loss will undoubtedly lead to bigger horizons in the future, you're definitely right to trust that the new years is reason to hope for bigger and better things.

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  28. Hi Suzanne,
    So sorry to read about your loss. One of the best things about IWSG is that it can bring the most unexpected support. I hope you're finding some here.

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  29. You have my condolences on the loss of your mother. As for the writing, there's always next year. The writing will always be there.

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  30. The best place to start is right where you are, eh? Progress isn't measured on a direct up slope, but rather the direction you're consistently headed. =)

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  31. So sorry for your loss, it takes much time to heal. Don't worry about writing. It will happen when your heart is ready.

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  32. Thank you all so very much for your continued support and encouragement, it means the world to me. *hugs*

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  33. A New Year indeed brings thoughts of new opportunities. I am sorry for your loss this year. I am sure your mum is still with you, helping you along.

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  34. Sorry for the loss of your Mother Suzanne. This year will have many new beginnings I'm sure.

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  35. Sounds like you made the best out of a rough situation. Adjustment time is necessary, so go easy on yourself. 2014 will be better!

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  36. Sorry to read about your loss. My grandmother died recently. A parent must be much harder. I hope this coming year does hold a lot great firsts for you to celebrate, so much so that it helps you through the harder times.

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  37. Beautiful post, and I hope you know you're an inspiration in this tough time. Keep being amazing!

    Sarah Allen
    (From Sarah, With Joy>

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  38. My humble apologies for taking this long to get her, Suzanne. What a powerful post. Despite it all, your gratitude, your altruism, shines through. That is most inspiring. You have been through so much and I deeply sorry to read of the loss of your beloved mother.

    I see a positive future for you because your determination that goes beyond disappointment will make this so. Like everyone else, I blessed to know you within this amazing community.

    Hugs and warm wishes,

    Your friend,

    Gary

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  39. Once again I am astounded by the warmth and friendship shown by so many. You inspire me, give me strength and determination to carry on trying to reach my goals. Cyber hugs to you all :)

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