Reflections and Thanks

Tonight is the perfect night to reflect.

The house is still, the Christmas tree is lit, and I’m snuggled on the sofa with my fluffy Persian cat Gizmo — the star of Fluffy Cat.  She is softly purring away, and it is hard to tell if it’s because she’s happy to keep me warm or because I’m providing her with a warm lap to sit on. I assume it is the latter — never mind the fact that she has enough fur on her to line thirty pairs of gloves, twenty winter hats, and at least ten pairs of boots.

And as I sit here, basking in the tree’s heavenly glow, the past year flashes through my mind. I smile and cringe at its ups and downs, and when I find myself still sitting in my seat, I can’t help but let out a huge sigh. 

Then, I smile again.

It’s been a busy year. Last February, my first book, Art the Spiffy Spider, found its way out of an old cardboard box after many years and became something real, something for others to see, feel, and learn from.  So many late nights were spent reviewing illustrations, researching marketing techniques, and crossing my fingers, hoping I was doing the right thing. 

After all, a writer’s work is a part of them.  It is imagination, creativity, a piece of their mind and a good chunk of their soul.  It is one thing to write down words on a page, but to then share it with others is a big step to take.

We all want our work and efforts to be liked and praised, and we want to fit in—just like Art wanted to do. I must admit I’m not the bravest person in the world, but when taking on a project like this, bravery is a must.  If only there were a writing bravery badge … I know I’d wear it proudly.

Publishing Art the Spiffy Spider was a good decision. I’ve enjoyed hearing from people who like the book and who have recommended it to others.  As the book sells and Art’s story is told again and again, I know it was the right step to take.

Taking a few steps here and there often leads to new opportunities, and in my case, it led me to Fluffy Cat.  The book is based on my Persian cat Gizmo.  She has lived with my family for three years, after we adopted her from someone who was moving house and could no longer keep her.  When I first saw Gizmo, I knew there was something special about her. 

She is lazy, affectionate, bossy, sometimes grumpy, and she is extremely loyal.  She sat with me alongside my laptop every day for two months while I worked on “Art”. I just knew she had to be the subject of my next book. 

So once again, I found myself working late, reviewing drawings, and watching Gizmo like a hawk. I looked at her, really looked at her, and imagined what feline thoughts must be going through her head.  I thought about her companionship and how empty the long days would have been without her. 

She’s more than just a cat.  She’s a part of the family.

From there Fluffy Cat was born.  The book is still in its early days, but sales are doing well and people have asked when the next Fluffy Cat book will be published.  I’m pleased that Fluffy Cat has wriggled her way into readers’ hearts, just as Gizmo wriggled her way into mine.

Although spiders and cats were a major part of my life this year, I also kept busy working on clients’ writing projects.

Fiction books. Self-help eBooks.

Websites. Direct mail.

Editing a little bit of everything, really. Everything from IT-related articles to documents about French fries. 

Yum.

While sitting here stroking Gizmo, I reflect on how important family and friends are, and how invaluable my readers’ support is.  So as 2014 comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has supported my literary endeavours.

Thank you, readers, for buying the books, reading them, and sharing them.  Thank you to my Facebook friends for tolerating my endless book promotional posts, and to all of my family for your encouragement and support.

And finally, thank you to my clients for a fantastic work relationship day in and day out.

May you all have a Merry Christmas and a Fluffy New Year! J