Tag: success!

I wasn’t entirely sure that I wanted to do this, because… well, 2011 to 2019 feels like it’s been a pretty shit decade for me.

But… actually, you know what? It hasn’t. In this decade, I’ve been a librarian, a web developer and a book witch, and I’ve now been an editor for a-year-and-a-half. I’ve read I-have-no-idea-how-many books, and I’ve written over fifteen books and numerous short stories. I’ve played and GM’d several RPG campaigns, and written ridiculous numbers of words in side-stories. I’ve added heaps of skills of my DIY toolbox, not least the incredibly useful one of knowing when NOT to drill into a wall. I’ve played a bunch of board games and want to play many more. I’ve crafted and sung and travelled. I’ve got my library degree. I’ve had some amazing commutes and lived in some lovely places. I saw friends get married and have kids, and I’ve got to see them grow. I’ve been to numerous cons, including WorldCon in Dublin. I’ve run my own business. I’ve loved and laughed and made an incredible number of friends.

In my personal life, I started the decade by getting married. I’m unfortunately ending the decade still married (yay for long divorce proceedings!) but it’s all looking hopeful for the New Year. And in the last year-and-a-bit, I’ve met my wonderful other half and moved into a house full of books (only some of which are my fault.)

And speaking of which, obviously this decade has involved books, books, conventions and more books.

Otter asked me how many books I’d read, and… well. I honestly wouldn’t even know where to start with a number! Let’s just go with “lots”.

I also started running my own business – Book Polishers has now been with me for two years, and I’m still trundling along with it. It sometimes feels annoying to work a full day and then come home and do the same, but it’s also a bundle of different subjects and people, with much more involvement in the actual book format – so it’s still something I enjoy!

On the writing front, I’ve published five and finished nine books in the Greensky Series, plus a number of short stories. I’ve published four short stories in the No Man’s series and have three books waiting for me to do something with them. Madcap Library is ongoing, and my random Dresden fanfic is up on Wattpad. I’ve also done NaNoWriMo and won twice! Beyond that, I have a pile of short stories and ideas that are waiting for me to get some inspiration again; it would be nice if writer’s block would let me go, but I’m content that I’ve done a lot of stuff this decade.

I’ve also been blogging here since 2014. WUT.

In more fluffy news, we had cats, cats, a daft lizard, and more cats (Frankie & Benny, Spike, Cashew, Peppermint, and Peter & Jodie)…

…and I’ve done all the DIY (by which I mean “caused general chaos”), all the crafting and all the baking.

And I’ve travelled.

I’ve also spent this decade with some downs; losing Ryan, losing my relationship and a house I loved, moving a lot and losing a lot of friendships… it hasn’t been fun in many ways. But it’s definitely been a lesson in trusting myself, trusting my gut, and also learning that I can live with my mental health problems – and that I am stronger than I thought I was. I’ve learned to take care of myself, and learned that doing it pays off. It’s actually been incredibly satisfying to be able to put my knowledge to use: to have friends talk to me about mental health and be able to give them good advice; to have my partner ask about a DIY thing and to know what to do; to be able to talk books and writing and craft, and be happy with my knowledge! I’ve still got so much to learn, but it feels like everything has been worth it so far.

It’s been an… interesting decade.

Here’s to the next!