My two awesome co-hosts this month are Tyrean Martinson and Jamie Gibbs! Please be sure to thank them for their time and effort to make all IWSG members feel welcome.
And welcome to 2013! Everyone recharged and ready? Got your goals set? Know exactly what you want to accomplish this year?
Wait, some of you don’t?
That’s all right – I don’t either. I spent the past few weeks enjoying time off, time with family, sleeping, game playing, guitar playing, reading, movie watching, and in general a whole lot of nothing. Outside of plans for my third book’s release in September and another year of hosting the A to Z Challenge, I haven’t made any big decisions for this year.
Many of you have heard me say my third book might be my last. I never wanted to be an author and I think it rather caught me by surprise. Music has always been a part of my life though, and in the past year it has evolved into something even larger. And I may have some decisions to make as to which creative path to pursue.
I don’t want to let down you guys or my fans, but I don’t want to let down God either. He got me this far - I just need to figure out which way to go from here.
And it’s a lot to consider! Why did God get me to this point? Really doubt it was to make my books so successful. (Yes, they are clean and morally sound, but they are not going to change lives.) Was it to get me to a point where I can really help other writers and bloggers? That is more likely. But do I need to keep writing books to do that? Do I need to write something else? Or do I need to pursue my new musical career? (Since I’m playing contemporary Christian, it might really change lives.)
So, I’ll be doing a lot of thinking and praying over the next month or two, looking for my answer. God will lead me to a place where I can have the greatest impact. Whatever that may be is fine with me. (Even if I do have to keep writing more books, which yes, scares the crap out of me!)
Be sure to visit others on the LIST.
Milo James Fowler at In Media Res posted his numbers for the year. Thanks to Write1Sub1, Milo had thirty-five stories accepted this year for publication. Plus there’s a lot more that happened in 2012. Congratulations, Milo!!
If you haven’t had a chance, Old Kitty (keeper of Charlie and Gumtree) has a story in Writers for Animals, which is available on Amazon UK. All profits will be donated to animal sanctuaries, so not only will you get to read Kitty’s story, you will help out some animals.
Misha at My First Book has a project for the year involving Awareness and Paying it Forward – and she’s looking for others to join her. See Misha’s site for details.
There have been so many blogfests lately, I decided I didn’t want to rush into the New Year with another one – but, I do have the date selected! Monday, March 18. And I’m going back to one of the very first blogfests I ever hosted. (Back when I had less than two hundred followers.) I’m sure MOST of you missed those early fests, so this will be a chance to do a simple, fun, everyone-can-participate blogfest before the A to Z Challenge kicks off.
Django Unchained
It’s a very straightforward story but told in Tarantino’s style. It wasn’t as violent or gory as critics claimed, either. (Although the gunfights are bloody and the depiction of slavery brutal.) Overall, the film is a fun western like only Tarantino could do.
Christoph Waltz is spectacular. He steals every scene, and as a bounty hunter with a heart, you’re never really sure what he’s going to say or do.
There are moments of extreme humor as well. Some are so zany, you start to wonder if the film isn’t a broad comedy.
It’s as long as The Hobbit, but like that movie, it didn’t feel long. (Again, skip the big drink.)
If you enjoy Tarantino films, go see it. If not, then this movie isn’t going to change your mind.
Word for the Year
I got this idea from Tina. It’s a word to guide us in our decisions throughout 2013. Tina stated her word for 2013 was contentment. I started thinking about what word I would chose, and I received confirmation of my choice in Liza’s thankful post this week.
My Word for the Year – GIVE
What word would you choose?
What insecurities are you facing today? Or are you feeling the optimism of a new year? March 18 marked now? See Django Unchained or another movie over the holidays? Have a great Christmas? And what is your word for 2013?
212 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 212 of 212Alex, I'm sure you'll get that clarity you're praying for. And there's nothing that says you can't try one or two (or five) different roads before you find His purpose for you, but I'd say you're well on your way. ;)
Happy new year, Alex. Whatever you decide, I wish you great peace and joy with it.
I loved Django, but I'm a long-time QT fan. I love how he insets humor into even the most grim of stories. And his quirky characters.
My word for '13 is purpose.
Thanks for the review on the movie. I think I'll pass on this one :) Happy New Year!
How about writing a book about music? Hahaha. I'm sure you'll go down the path your deepest, truest intuition takes you.
One word?
Imagine.
I think the lessons you learned from writing this series will propel you toward success with the music. I wish nothing but the best for you, Alex, no matter what endeavor you choose. And who knows? You may find yourself writing another book some day.
Thanks, Nicole!
Lola, the characters were indeed quirky.
Catherine, good word.
Jeffrey, who knows?
Alex, dropping by to say Happy New Year. I hope you find your fork in the road, and wish you well with whatever one you choose. Good to hear you got to have some 'you', and family time. Good luck for 2013. Thanks for your support during 2012.x
Great post! I guess in time you will have a better idea what your path should be. If you decide to pursue music- it doesn't mean you will never write a book again- maybe it will just be a while. Plus, writing music is still writing. Do whatever will make you the most happy and what you will most regret not pursuing.
My word: kindness
~Stephanie
I think you should go with your heart (and wherever God leads you). You clearly have a passion for music and it is just as important to you as writing. So, whilst I would love you to write more books in the future, do what makes you happy. You 'give' so much to the rest of us already; time to give back to yourself as well.
My word of 2013 is commitment. Commitment to my family, friends, and writing.
Thanks for the shout out, Alex! Looking forward to seeing Django. The Lord will make things clear -- just keep on glorifying him with ALL your gifts.
Hi Alex,
Good luck with figuring out your goals. Thank you for hosting this. Hope 2013 is a great year for you!
I pray that you get clear direction for your next project, but I hope we don't lose you in the blogging community. I wish you a prosperous 2013 in whatever direction you decide.
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