I can't believe that 2018 is finally over. It felt like the year that just would not die! I made resolutions last year, but most of them I don't even remember, except for wanting to start querying Dragon Steal, which I did manage to accomplish. For this post, I'd like to go over some of the awesome (and not-so-awesome) things that happened this year and cover my goals for 2019.

2018 in Review

Finished editing Dragon Steal and submitted it for publication.
- I've received several rejection letters but recently got a full manuscript request. While the rejections have hurt, at least the book is out there!
I created my own website and started developing a branded persona on twitter, facebook, instagram, etc. I have over 1,000 followers both on twitter and on instagram.
- Even better, I've met a ton of amazing authors and creators through these sites who I can't wait to work with next year!
Wrote, edited, and published The Purple Door District. I can't believe I developed my own marketing and indiegogo campaigns, formatted the book, published it, and held a launch party all in the space of six months. The question is, can I do it for PDD2?
Had "Latte with a Shot of Poltergeist" and "Frozen Heart" published in anthologies.
Submitted more short stories and poetry than I ever have before. While I received a lot of rejections, I at least received a few publications.
Officially launched The Writers' Rooms with my co-Director, Alexandra Penn. We also finished our Articles of Incorporation and got certified as a non-profit corporation.
Helped develop the concierge anthology through The Writers' Rooms.
Returned to my college and taught a few classes about publishing and NaNoWriMo.
Wrote 50k words for The Purple Door District: Wolf Pit.
Lost about 45 lbs through exercise and healthy eating.
Attended my first book signing event with other authors and signed up for even more in 2019.
Hosted giveaways for my book and swag that was developed by local creators.
Started my patreon account to help raise money for my writing career.
Received honorable mention in Writers of the Future.
Truly started my profession as an author.

It's been a really big year for me writing wise. I still can't believe that six months ago I decided to publish The Purple Door District. It seems like ages since I made that decision. I've managed to publish a few pieces of work this year, including on wattpad and patreon.

Next year, I hope to do even more, but also find a way to take care of myself at the same time.

2019 Goals

Focus on my mental health and take better care of myself mentally and physically.
Find an agent and publisher for Dragon Steal.
Finish writing and publish The Purple Door District: Wolf Pit.
Work on Fates and Furies with my co-author, AE Kellar, and hopefully publish the first book, if not in 2019, then in early 2020.
Submit more short stories and poetry for publication.
Start working on The Purple Door District #3 and Dragon Steal #2
Return to working on Traitors of the Crown.
Lose more weight for health reasons and get healthier.
Attend multiple writing conventions to both sell my books and to meet other authors.
Start my path to becoming a full-time author.

These are pretty ambitious goals, but I think most of them are possible. I really do need to focus on my mental and physical health, though, because I managed to break myself a few times while working on PDD. If I can't hold myself together, I won't be able to accomplish any/all of this.

I'm really proud of what I did this year. It's my biggest year as an author, and I can't wait to see what 2019 holds. I'm also a little scared. What if next year doesn't unfold as well? I guess that's all part of growing up and making plans as a writer, though. Some years you're going to make it big, and some years are going to be a lot slower. I hope 2019 is still a fantastic one.

What are your goals for 2019? Feel free to share them below! Also, let me know what topics you'd like me to cover this year!

Happy Writing!

Erin