This year in rearview
looking back is for rubberneckers
Hey Revelers of the Earth’s Revolution:
I’ve just spent a week in Massachusetts with 70 of my closest friends shut up in an inn playing board games. Here are a few of them:
Traditionally, New Year’s newsletters would have a list of what happened in the year and then a top ten list to make you giggle and then a resolution for the future.
But I’m not in any mood to look backwards.
Although my first collection of fiction came out in 2023, and was very well reviewed, I didn’t have the kind of money it takes to promote a book to make it truly popular. (Books are a lot like teenaged girls that way.)
The last half of this year was entirely enervating. But under all the exhaustion, I have found some inner fortitude, and I’m planning to work on longer works of fiction in 2024. I have applied for a travel grant and am looking forward to some editorial guidance.
As for immediate plans? I’m going to stay up til after midnight dancing, counting backwards from ten, and making all the forward-thinking, happiness-inducing wishes that I can.
2024 needs to be better than 2023. Shall we work together to make this a reality? Greatness is just around the bend.
Happy New Year!
Wishing you joy & creativity in 2024!
70 friends with what looks like 70 board games. I don't think anyone knows how to have fun like you do.
The problem with new years is that they are NOT abritrary. There is a calendar of events, not indefinite time. 2024 is coming like dreaded school after the night, and there will be a presidential election. We could all work together and not elect Donald Trump, but unfortunately, like with your book, the reach of this newsletter is not total.