12 Days of Christmas for Writers- Celebrating successes of 2015

 Children's author Julie Hedlund, challenged participants of her 12 Days of Christmas for Writers series to post SUCCESSES (rather than resolutions) on our blogs this year. She believes the way New Year's resolutions are traditionally made come from a place of negativity - what DIDN'T get done or achieved in the previous year.  Instead, she suggests we set goals for the New Year that BUILD on our achievements from the previous one.
(http://www.juliehedlund.com/12days)

If you read my previous blog, I already was unknowingly participating in this Anti-Resolution Revolution!

Here is my list of successes for 2015:

• I completed the Writing Picture Book course through the Australian Writers Centre.
• My writing style improved dramatically after the Picture Book course.
• I became an Associate Member of the Australian Society of Authors.
• I wrote more manuscript drafts than I ever have before.
• I sent in two completed manuscripts to publishers.
• I became more disciplined in my writing.
• I joined Twitter.
  
• I started blogging.
  
• People actually read my blog.
  
• I got to know the local independent bookshop owners.
  
• I applied for an art grant. Even though I didn’t get it, the fact that I applied was a big deal for me and I learnt a lot in the process.
  
• One of my stories has been used in local schools. The story gives strategies overcoming fear. And the students loved the story, connected with the protagonist, and they loved creating their own fear monster.
  
• All of this and more after having the worst year physically with Fibromyalgia and injuries that prevented me from walking much. Yeah!