The past few years have been quite intense for me and this is evident from the fact that it has been no less than 3 years since I wrote an end-of-year/new-year blog.
2023 is a year where I tried to run away from 2021 and 2022. But no matter how fast you run, the past will catch you eventually. And how…
I have been quite ill for the last 3 months of 2023. Stress, exhaustion and a still unknown virus have floored me. Fortunately, I am recovering, but my reserves are completely exhausted. So, the first goal for 2024 is: get fit & healthy again!
Yet, I am also grateful to 2023 for the beautiful things it has brought me. For example, I am very happy with the people around me who are there for me even in bad times. And of course I am grateful for my readers who ensure that I can still do the work I love most! Thank you. ❤
I decided, very ambitiously, to self-publish the translation of Drägan Duma – Een Onbreekbare Band last year because I was a bit tired of begging foreign publishers for a chance. Caroline Mackie of LWD Translation & Editing Services translated the book and worked with me to try and keep the original tone as much as possible. I then started collecting information about “self-publishing” and the possibilities of marketing “An Unbreakable Bond”. I designed the cover myself to reduce costs and I am quite proud of it. Ultimately, I chose to release the book as a paperback and e-book through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other retailers. The book can also be read (for free) with Kindle Unlimited!
As a promotion, I had one of the short stories translated and it can still be read for free via Bookfunnel.
At the end of 2023, Celtica Publishing published the third book in my Terras Altas series: Ash Gray. Unfortunately, because I became ill during the final phase of the editing process, I was not able to really enjoy the release. For example, there was no book presentation. I’m disappointed about that, because Ash Gray is, for several reasons, the most difficult book I’ve ever written, so I would have liked to celebrate its release. Now I’ll have to celebrate the release of the last book in this series extra big 😉
My goals for 2024 are simple: as I said, I would like to get fit and healthy again as quickly as possible. I also want to spend more time on myself and go on holiday or weekend away more often. Just being able to breathe actually. As far as writing is concerned, I will do my utmost to write and hopefully publish “Bloedrood” this year!
I wish you all a wonderful 2024 in which many of your dreams may come true!
Love,
Patty ❤