As 2018 draws to a close, I am feeling… well, a few things, really.
First of all, a bit exhausted. It’s been a busy year in which, among other things, I’ve seen a manuscript through to publication (such a neat, glib statement that belies the enormity of the process!), given many talks, conducted a gallery walk (a first for me), taken part in panels, readings and conversations, given four launch speeches, visited book clubs, recorded podcasts, interviewed writers, been interviewed myself, presented workshops, judged a young writers’ competition, mentored a writer, and been nominated for a national award.
I’m grateful to everyone who, in ways large and small, has been part of the wonderful tapestry of 2018—too many to name here, but I know, and see, and appreciate, every one of those threads. Thank you!
On the whole, 2018 has been good to me. But I’m aware that hasn’t been the case for everyone. If you’re one of those people, I hope the coming year is gentler. And whatever it is that has helped you through this one—courage, stubbornness, friends, books, chocolate—may there continue to be an abundance of that.
I am looking forward to meeting 2019. There are exciting book-related events coming up. And a journey to the top of the world. A novel to finish. A reunion with friends. A road trip around a wild coast. And a couple of momentous family events. Who knows what else?
For now, I’m signing off for 2018. Thank you for reading looking up/looking down, for your comments, for your kind messages throughout the year, and…
looking up/looking down 
And a wonderful Christmas to you. Congratulations on an epic year of high achievements. 🌞🐧
Very kind. Thanks, Robyn. x
Beautifully expressed sentiments as always, Amanda.
On Wed, 19 Dec 2018 at 10:34 am, looking up/looking down wrote:
> amandacurtin posted: “As 2018 draws to a close, I am feeling… well, a few > things, really. First of all, a bit exhausted. It’s been a busy year in > which, among other things, I’ve seen a manuscript through to publication > (such a neat, glib statement that belies the enormity of ” >
Thanks, Wen, for reading, and for being one of those important threads. x
Yes, indeed; you’ve had a big year. I’ve had a big year, too. Not an ideal year, in lots of ways, but big. Diamonds in the rough, and so forth…
Here’s to continuing onward and upward, and to having a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year. 🙂
Thanks, Glen, and I hope you enjoy a relaxing break after your big year. Warmest wishes for the New Year 🙂
By the way, I notice your glitzy reindeer is missing a calf (and I’m not talking about its progeny). It rather reminds me of Gladly, the Cross-Eyed Bear (say it to yourself out loud if the reference isn’t immediately obvious). 🙂
Aw, poor reindeer. (And yes, I did have to say it out loud! 🙂 )
And a merry Christmas to you and yours Amanda. I have appreciated your many kindnesses to me this year and I do look forward to a gentler 2019. Lots of love as always. xx
Thank you and much love to you, dear Rashida xx
Merry Christmas to you too, Amanda!
I hope you’ve had a lovely day, Lisa. x