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Indeed it was – for many reasons. I got engaged. I got married. I got step-kids of my very own. I got to go on a honeymoon to my favorite place on earth (Aruba). I got a new house. I got a blog. I started writing for real. I became an Auntie again. I got a whole ‘nother family. I became a professional book reviewer (well, I got paid in books – that counts, right?). I discovered a slew of new books/authors – some great, some not so great. I met my reading challenge goal of 111 in ’11. And I did better than I thought I would with my annual reading (129 books – low for me in recent vintage, but after a year that began with single-digit book months and included wedding planning, an actual wedding, a honeymoon, and a move, it was a much better turnout than expected!). (These aren’t in chronological order or in order of importance – just in the order I rattled them off in my head just now.)
I’ve finally gotten the ol’ 2011 reading list formatted and posted – check it out here. I’ve done you the courtesy of adding amazon links for the books I rated the highest. (You may thank me at any time. Teehee) This both makes it easy for you to get the good stuff quickly AND lets me give props/highlight the best of the best from last year.
I don’t know what 2012 will bring. My biggest personal goal is to get a manuscript finished and not only publisher-submittable but publisher submitted. I’m cutting back on the book reviewing somewhat to both give me more time for writing and to give me more time for starting in on my massive TBR list. We still have two houses to sell and one to finish renovating (and unpacking). I’m still going to be me, which is to say I’m still going to struggle with my own personal distractedness and sloth. But I’m also hoping to get back into the swing of my “regular” reading pattern – that is, to get back into the 140+ books per year habit.
How did you do this year? Any reading/writing goals for the coming year? Misery loves company – er, I mean, personal goals can be mutually reinforcing – so let me know what you’re up to, because I could use the commiseration – er, I mean, reinforcement. Teehee. Here we go 2012!
Oh, and let’s hope either the Mayans got it wrong or we really HAVE been holding the calendar upside down – (teehee, I just saw that Keanu picture/quote on Facebook yesterday for the first time and it cracked me up) because I have a LOT to do! 😉
Wow! You had an amazing year! And it sounds like this one may be just as full and fun. I hope so.
It WAS amazing Dana, thanks! And thanks also for the good wishes – I suspect I’m in for another goodie… 😉 Hope 2011 brought you lots of wonderful things as well, and that 2012 is on track for more of them!! Thanks for being such a loyal visitor/reader – honestly, without feedback and comments like this, I wouldn’t be able to keep doing what I do! 🙂
That was some serious reading list for last year. I’m very impressed. I didn’t read nearly that much. I think this year, however, with the Kindle I got for Christmas… well, I probably won’t read that much more 🙂 My reading time is still limited to about twenty minutes just before bed. But I’m excited to try and read more.
And thanks for listing The Imaginings. “Very good,” eh? I appreciate being in the ranks. And only Good/Mediocre for The Alchemist, eh? I haven’t read it, but it’s somewhere on my list.
Hope things are going “swimmingly” (I actually really like that adverb, as well).
Paul D. Dail
http://www.pauldail.com- A horror writer’s not necessarily horrific blog
Don’t be too impressed Paul – ever. 😉 The Kindle will help I bet – it actually did me, simply because it meant I always had options with me. Lately, I often only get the time before bed to read too – but am seriously trying to get back into dedicating larger chunks of time, not only for review books but for ones I choose. I’m a much nicer person when I read, trust me…
You definitely deserved your “very good” ranking – hear that, loyal blog readers, check out his book!! – and are in good, and selective, company. I take back what I said about not being too impressed. (teehee) There were two with the title “The Alchemist” both by a Paulo/Paolo, I just noticed that now, how weird is that?! The Paulo Coelho is amazing (he’s one of my favorites – you will enjoy him I think, very thought-provoking and beautiful use of language – altho since he writes in Portugese, I am never sure if the credit should go to him or his translator!); the Paolo Bacigalupi was rather disappointing, as I’d heard good things about him…
Here’s to more time to read in 2012 – hope things are swimming along as you’d like them to as well. Always great to hear from you!
Well, thanks again. I’m flattered.
And that’s pretty crazy that there are two “Alchemists.” Glad I checked in with you to know which one should be on my list. Kind of reminds me of the Office episode where Michael orders from the incorrect Pizza by Alfredo (instead of the superior Alfredo’s Pizza) 🙂
Paul D. Dail
http://www.pauldail.com- A horror writer’s not necessarily horrific blog