Friday, January 2, 2009

Reflections on 2008

I really wanted to get one last post in before the new year, but unfortunately my kids were not on board with that plan. My Thing 1 and Thing 2 made so much mayhem (including taking a scissor to their clothes!) that I couldn't even blink, let alone blog.

So, here is a slightly belated look back at 2008.

On the downside, my writing career completely stagnated. My agent subbed NOTHING, so I had to ditch her in November. I some how did not manage to come up with a single new decent picture book idea. And my Hop! Plop! sales ground to a halt. (Unless you count the 100 or so copies that I bought!) So, essentially, I could have slept through the entire year like Rip Van Winkle and I would pretty much be in the same spot I'm in now.

On the upside, nearly everything else went well. We completed a fabulous renovation that totally transformed our house. Our kids were cuter than ever and did not end up in the ER once. And Obama won the democratic primary against all odds and then won the Presidential election! (Perhaps my obsession with following every detail of his campaign had something to do with not getting any writing done?)

Since 2009 is not a big election year, I am hoping to get much more accomplished!

6 comments:

Katie Anderson said...

What a great recap! And funny!!! Let's see... I wrote a book in 2008, but haven't sold it yet?! So let's hope this is my year :-)

I hope you have a GLORIOUS 2009!

Rebecca Gomez said...

Corey, I'd have to say that YES!, your obsession with the presidential campaign seriously affected your writing. However, you did more writing than you're letting on, in those Saturday mornings we were able to squeeze in. We may not have finished much (besides "blustery" which is our best yet), but we have plenty to work on in 2009!

Anonymous said...

Corey, I think the new connections you have made in 2008 will prove to be worthwhile! LOL!

I think we made great strides in our PB powwow sessions and I look forward to continuing the trend in 2009.

I have not blogged in weeks now. I will get back to it when Eliana is back in school.

Anonymous said...

And you started blogging in 2008!

Corey Schwartz said...

Yes, I didn't mean to leave that out. Guess I subconsciously followed the Rule of 3 :) (three negatives, three positives)

Blogging has definitely been my biggest accomplishment in 08! I made lots of new blogger friends and had over 500 visitors in December alone!!

BookChook said...

I'm relieved to hear I'm not the only one stuffed with guilt about not subbing/querying. However, I did find a way to make myself write and I shall let you in on my secret.

You know how when you sign up for a gym membership or for Weight Watchers, you really have to do it because you've paid money? Well, I signed up for a children's writing course. Suddenly I had the motivation to get writing done.

Though judging by my flabby arm muscles, maybe I should have stuck with the gym membership!