I don’t normally publish personal posts anymore, but today is Thanksgiving so I felt that this was appropriate.
A lot has happened in the past five and half years since I started blogging. A lot has happened in this past year, in just the past few months alone.
This time last year I had decided that I was going to quit my job. I had no idea what was going to be in store for me, but I just knew I had to try to follow my dreams. There was no other time to do it. It was either now or never.
I Am Thankful For…
My Family
I can’t express how grateful I am for my family. I am so lucky to have two wonderful parents who support me no matter what. I’m lucky they allow me to live under their roof rent-free while I quit my job to pursue my passion. Which, as we all know, can be a crapshoot because writing isn’t a sure thing.
There are my two older sisters and brother-in-law who are always encouraging me, asking me how my writing is going, and interested in what I’m doing. Then there are of course my two cousins, my Uncle, and grandparents among the rest of my family.
My Friends
I don’t have many “writer” friends in real life. I do have friends in my writing group and I love each and every one of them and value their thoughts and opinions on my writing and just writing in general. Plus, they’re just a fun bunch to hang out with!
But my non-writer friends, the best ones I have, are super supportive even though they fully understand what I’m trying to do. They just know that I love it and they’re happy for me that I’m trying.
My WordPress/Social Media Friends
I’m not going to name any people because there are way too many and I’m sure you know who you are (you better know who you are). I honestly can’t say enough how thankful I am for my fellow bloggers and writers on this site and across my social media. I’ve learned a lot from each and every one of you and have made a lot of new friends. I feel like I’m part of a super important club and I think we have an amazing community going on.
So many opportunities have risen for me through my blog. I’ve been connected with all sorts of bloggers (writers, readers, gamers) as well as authors (self and traditional) and even publicists. I’ve interviewed people and been interviewed by people. I’ve had guest posts on my blog and wrote a few guest posts myself. I’ve participated in blog tours and done cover reveals. I’ve read and reviewed published books and ARC books. My blog and I have come so far and it baffles me, to be honest.
New Opportunities
Speaking of the above, it’s through this blog that I met Emily Green, a publicist. After reviewing a few books for her, I inquired about her work. It intrigued me and she was so nice to take me under her wing. I was her intern for a few months and now I help her with her projects when she needs it. I’ve learned a lot. She’s a wonderful mentor and an encouraging friend. I’m so grateful she took a chance on me.
I’ve also found other places to write. Kris and I started our own gaming blog and have met so many new friends through that. We contribute to another gaming blog writing occasional reviews for them. It’s through that blog and those friends that we have big things planned.
Speaking of writing, writing is another opportunity. I know I’ve been doing that for a while, but if it weren’t for this blog I wouldn’t be taking nearly as many of the chances I take now. My original writing wouldn’t be on the Internet and I wouldn’t be looking into self-publishing and taking action towards my overall writing career.
Old Opportunities
I was writing for a gaming website called Now Loading. I was almost done with the “academy” part of the site. After that, I would have been able to apply to be a verified creator which would allow me to get paid for my articles. Unfortunately, the website had to close its doors. Still, it was fun while it lasted and I learned a lot.
I’m still coming to terms with myself quitting my job. It was getting to the point where I wasn’t as happy going to work as I used to be. I loved the people I worked with and the kids, of course, but it wasn’t helping my creativity. I felt like I was in a rut. Overall, I think it was a good decision that I left, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss it. Two of the three teachers I worked with moved onto a different school so our team (after three years) would have split up no matter if I left or stayed. It just seemed like the right time. But I still look at the clock and think to myself, “the kids are having their snack right now,” or “I would be outside chasing the kids around right now.”
My co-workers were super supportive of me whether I stayed in education or decided to move on with my writing. I miss them, but I’m sure I’ll see them again soon.
Overall
I really hope I’m not missing anything or anyone. 2017 has been a roller coaster – good things happened and bad things happened, but that’s just life.
I think I’m finally on my way to officially having a writing career. I have big plans for 2018 and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
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