The end of the year approacheth …

In between all the craziness of wrapping up 2011, I’ve taken a few minutes to think about my reading and writing this year, and sneak a look at my plans for next year … I say sneak a look because they’re still evolving.

For me in 2011, the best book out was River Marked by Patricia Briggs. I’d anticipated book 6 in the Mercy Thompson series for ages and it exceeded my expectations. Very nice interweaving of Native American mythology, respectful but imaginative.

I didn’t read as much non-fiction as normal this year. I enjoyed London. A Biography by Peter Ackroyd, but that wasn’t published in 2011. Great social history, though, so if you’re looking for something accessible but solid, this is a good investment.

You all know next year I’ve signed up to the Australian Women Writers reading challenge, so lots of new-to-me authors and books. A bit daunting to think I’ve committed to reviewing outside my comfort zone.

When it comes to writing, this has been a good year. Publishing with Carina Press is a joyous experience of fantastic editors (take a bow Angela James and Deb Nemeth), support crew (to single out but one aspect, the covers are amazing) and have I mentioned the authors? the Carina author group is incredibly supportive, funny and all ’round awesome. So much to be thankful for. And with the recent release of “A Clockwork Christmas” my antho sisters JK Coi, PG Forte and Stacy Gail have blown me away with their enthusiasm, professionalism and off the charts kindness and generosity.

The steampunk community has been equally welcoming … but we’ll get to that in a separate post. This is about reading and writing.

Speaking of writing, next year I hope to sub the steampunk novella, “Courting Trouble”, that I’m currently revising, finish a full length steampunk novel, “Stolen: One Bridegroom”, and launch into a new novella that is stewing at the back of my mind. Plus a second novel wouldn’t go astray. Yup, ambitious for 2012 since I also want to include a couple of short stories and re-commit to writing and sub’ing poetry.

I really need to update my current project’s page to reflect these ambitious plans 🙂

Finally, and because it is writing (of a kind) I’m committed to engaging with social media in 2012. I’m wondering though about shifting patterns in where conversations are held. Are blogs fading? Is Facebook (with its new look timelines) the coming thing? or Google+ (the initial glow is wearing thin, not sure how people will use it going forward)? then there’s Twitter which is just plain fun.

And that’s my thoughts, on the run.