Happy New Year!
Last year, on this very day, I began this blog. I little dreamt I'd be at it today, or that I would have 24 followers!
A year on, what did I achieve? I acquired well over 5 war medals and 15 fountain pens! Most importantly, I finally got my hands on The Book--Winkles, Schoolboy Detective. And I got a job in magazine journalism. My byline count (including research credits for infographics) was 20. Not a bad year. My writing didn't do too well, though. I'm halfway through a short story set in 1803, and have just two chapters to show from one novel, and one from another.
This year's resolutions:
1. Get at least 25 bylines.
2. FINISH short story by March-April. Finish one novel by December, and half of the other, at least.
3. Write blog once a week.
4. Acquire at least 25 vintage first editions, five fountain pens and two war medals.
4. Acquire at least 25 vintage first editions, five fountain pens and two war medals.
5. Maintain regular exercise schedule.
6. Curb spending and temper.
7. Increase number of followers for this blog (Target--50 by December).
Ambitious, aren't I?
Now for news. Last year, I'd written about a wonderful book I lost in Bristol--Winkles, Schoolboy Detective by Rowland Walker. I've GOT ONE! And this one is with the dustjacket, which, I'm afraid, is tatty and torn. Still, very nice. I cried getting it and have stashed it away among greatest treasures. If you get a copy, PLEASE read it!
Other books I got for Christmas include Richmal Crompton's Enter--Patricia, some nice Ethel Talbots, Doris Pococks and a few Chalet School paperbacks I didn't have. Stowaways in the Abbey and The New Abbey Girls by Elsie Oxenham are also mine now.
Lost to international mail were Jill at Hazelmere and Jill Investigates by Valerie Hastings, and a couple of rare hardbounds by Angela Brazil. Tough.
Tracing oldies is a nightmare, but I've been lucky to find some nice online shops that sell vintage first eds, both on eBay and off it. Shall mention a few along the year.
Does anyone read these gems now? What is the oldest book you own?
NEXT WEEK: Avoid the word 'acquire'
Hi Renu,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the welcome over at the Writer's Chronicle. I would've responded there, but the forum said it wasn't possible to respond on that topic. Maybe too much time has gone by!?! :-) So, I tracked you down via your blog. I'm following you now. Let's stay in touch.
June
http://www.writingisablessing.blogspot.com
Best of luck with the new resolutions! and 20 by lines is amazing, well done :)
ReplyDeleteLike the new look too!
I'm so glad you stopped by. I was "tweaking" my blog & mistakenly wiped out the "For Writers" links & lost some of my contacts. I have dozens of very old books - not sure which is the oldest but many from the early 19th century. Finishing my 2nd book now (edits - cover art in the works) so I haven't blogged much. Will get you back on line @ my blog.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the resolutions! You might want to add another -- "Have fun while doing all this stuff."
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping by my Other blog :)
ReplyDeleteI like your goal list. I opened my email to another rejection for my novel. Sigh. But it does tell me that that particular project could use some shelf time. The story you read I've turned into a novel (or at least the first 135 pages of a novel thus far). Keep writing, keep writing, keep writing.
Try writing the 500 word story. Honestly that was all I was shooting for and it became this big thing that I am having so much fun with.
Keep the goal in your mind and you can do it. It may not be publish worthy, it might not even be something you want to keep. BUT I'm writing my 6th or 7th and each time I get better and better. Just keep writing and learning and writing :) It'll happen.
New to your blog, but I like what I see. Good luck with your 2010 resolutions!
ReplyDelete