I’m still getting used to the idea that there are people out there that have read my novel, even to the point that after receiving my first royalties I kept thinking, “Is this real?”
The same thing happened after I booked my first show. It didn’t feel real until I saw the animation.
Holding my novel in my hands for the first time, gave me the same feeling as hearing my voice coming from a character on screen. It was the same feeling I had years ago when I heard myself recorded on a cassette as a little girl, singing along with my piano teacher. The final product, is always satisfying.
A friend of mine wrote me the sweetest card, congratulating me on my publication. I almost cried reading it at work. It was so thoughtful! I keep it safe in my “office” where I write…which isn’t exactly an office, but it’s where I keep my notes, supplies, and tend to hunker down and get to work. Everything in my writing space, is stuff that makes me happy like my figurines, and plush, and collection of fun pens.
Speaking of pens, I got a bunch of cute stationary for Christmas! Notepads, journals, washi tape, adorable pens…and new stickers and pencil cases! The pens write beautifully! I’m going to make sure to take good care of them all…but I also really want to show them off.
I’m happy to say that this year I managed to exceed my reading goals. I definitely would’ve liked to finish the books I’m currently reading but my goal for the new year is to still read lots of great books, and to finish each book I own that is still currently on my TBR. I’ve decided not to let myself buy anything new until I’ve made my way through that list. I think that’ll save me some money, and it’ll keep me occupied while I’m working on my manuscripts.
Speaking of writing, I plan on spending as much time as possible on my manuscripts throughout January. I’ve got a lot of editing to do, and I’d like to complete it as soon as possible, so that I can finally start discussing these projects, as well as Vermin’s sequel! I’m so excited about this next book, and I’m really happy that people are enjoying it.
I’ll also of course, start sharing updates on my other projects once I’ve reached the final editing stages. I’m really excited about them, and I’ve fallen in love with these casts of characters. I may even steal some fashion inspiration from a few of them.
Ardin Patterson 