A Look Back at 2009 ...

I'm officially stunned into silence.

This year has brought with it so many amazing things that I don't know if I can express enough excitement over what's occurred ...

First, I completed my first novel, the 77,000-word MANAS, about a prodigy spy and a gorgeous hacker who band together to decrypt the mystery behind a genetic experiment aimed at creating the perfect soldier. In addition to finishing it, I also cut my teeth sending cold emails to agents, and even got a few very interested responses. To my first book! Unreal ... It's out under exclusivity right now, and I'm over the moon about the possibilities!

Second, I planned, started and completed my second novel, the 80,000-word ARCANE, about a girl drawn into an alternate plane of reality ruled by magic. This decaying, post-apocalyptic world is under the rule of chaos twins aimed at rebooting the flow of magical energy for their own evil greed, but Drew and her rebels are the obstacle standing in their way. This story also was send out to agents and has gotten a few nibbles. More to come on this in the new year, I think ...

Third, I planned and began my third novel, GLOW, about a woman living the paint-by-number life her father planned for her -- until she meets a stranger who teaches her how to color outside the lines. Add in that he is a being from another universe send to judge whether Earth is worth saving from the evil Dark Entity, then you've got the mixture for a great paranormal romance! I'm between 1/3 and 1/2 completed the first draft, and I'm in love with the characters ...

In addition to the book situation, I'm also thrilled with my writing progress. This year, I looked outside my comfort zone and joined Writers United, a local writing group that has opened my eyes to a culture I didn't know existed. My dear friends are a talented bunch who inspire and drive me to write better. Thank you, ladies.

And, as always, I've got my happy, healthy family! My husband is just the best man in the world and a real hard-ass critic (which I love and need), and my boys ... well, they are magic in and of themselves every moment of the day.

The best part about this past year is what wonderful things it will lead to in 2010. Keep moving forward!