Looking Back on 2012

So here we are, at the end of another year which climaxes, as years tend to do, with thoughts of revelry, nostalgia for the last twelve months and resolutions and hopes for the next twelve.  2012 was a bit of a big year for me in that dreaded landscape of the real world, and here in the digital realm it was hardly any different. 

What did I do? After watching from the shore and gently testing the waters, I took the plunge with publishing and put my work out there for all to see. My fellow writers will know, that’s a huge deal, no matter how long or briefly you’ve been doing it, or how proud or humble you are about your words.  They’re your words, and regardless of the genre you play in, your words are you, your effort and toil, and to show them so freely to the world is a tremendous leap. I’m not asking for a pat on the back, I’m just acknowledging that I made a step this year I’d never taken before.

And once that step was taken, what a response! People read, people commented and (some, for the saucy nature of my work encourages discretion!) people reviewed! Every sale, every mention, every review be it positive or negative, has been a thrill. To have it out there is one thing, but to know people are reading and enjoying it is another level entirely. Thank you to everyone who has bought and reviewed my work. You’ve made this writer happier than you can ever know.

Another big joy in my life this year has been joining Twitter. First it was as a means to promote my work, but now that feels somehow secondary. I discovered a planet full of amazing, intelligent, thoughtful, caring and supportive people, and they brought all those traits out in me too. They lifted me when I was down, they made my laugh and cry and feel worthy. They made me want to be better in every way. Some brought amazing opportunities and ideas, from which new stories and ventures sprang (many more delights lined up for next year!). Some brought inspirational images, some brought support, retweets and spreading the word, some brought kind words and wonderful chatter. A few of them saved my soul and sanity. All brought a piece of themselves into my world and accepted me in theirs. I’ll not name names, because there are so many, but if you’re reading this and you were part of my Twitter life this year, you know who you are. Thank you. You may know what you did for me, or can only guess. You changed and rocked my world.

So what does next year hold? Well, more writing! I’d make a resolution to write a new short story every week, or month, but I know I won’t stick to it. All I know is, I’ll put more work out there. Some already in progress, some as yet undreamed of.  I’ll try new techniques, I’ll explore new ways of telling stories. I’ll have a blast, I know it. The only thing more fun than doing naughty, sensual things is writing about them and spreading the joy. I hope to continue that for many years to come.

From Cameron Lincoln to all my friends, a final thank you and a happy new year. Let it be all you hope for!

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