Walking the Path, towards 2011

I sit here, staring at the computer, wondering what to write. My bronchitis (boo, hiss!) came back and I have spent a couple of uncomfortable days and nights coughing my lungs out. Hot soups are an immense boon/help/salve.

I have started writing again. A new short and polishing old ones for eventual submission. Did a list of 2011 writery things – and I am stunned to see that the year is packed. Packed, I tell you…

So, what have I done this year?

Started work after half a year of looking after Dot. Went back to teaching, didn’t work out and got a job as a writer at an educational company. Job unfortunately didn’t work out as well, but it was a blessing in disguise.

Realized that I could work under pressure. Writing children’s books is something challenging for me, since I am already writing YA fiction. Writing in different voices is definitely good training for writers.

Still working on my own inner issues, especially my self-esteem.

Writery-wise:
Rider, a YA science-fiction story. is still in progress. I aim to complete it in 2011. I love this story!

To look forward in 2011:
“Apex Book Of World SF II” will be out in 2nd February 2011. My story “The Sound Of Breaking Glass” is in it.
“Wolf At The Door”, my urban fantasy novel, will be out – 4th April 2011.
A short in an anthology by Drollerie Press.
The Singapore Sampler of SFF – the theme: Hybrid.
Print edition of “Oysters, Pearl and Magic” .
More submissions – hopefully to pro-level magazines.
Submission of book two of my urban fantasy series.

I will probably sit down and do a proper Watchnight vigil.

Have a good NYE!

The days before Christmas.

For me, I am celebrating Yule. Dong zhi. Winter Solstice. A new year comes. Am I ready for it?

These days, I feel raw, like an exposed oyster. I still have to upload the Brisbane/Queensland pictures. My bronchitis has retreated to the back of my mind, but I can still hear it rasping and hissing away, a chained animal with needle-sharp claws tightening my chest like a painful thought.

Doubts come arising up. Am I that stupid? A failure. Not good thoughts to have on Yule. What have I done this year?

There is always 2011 to look forward to. My novel. My shorts. I have a path to walk. Do you want to walk with me?

PSA.

I will be out of town from 6th – 12th December.