A Year in Review

A time to look back at what was and then look forward to what will be.

In 2007 There were some major things in my life.

Career wise:
1. Callye's Justice was edited and released.
2. Betraying Chase was written, submitted (rejected) and submitted to another publisher--awaiting word even now.
3. Dragon's Angel was written, submitted and contracted
4. Tides of Maryna's Love was cleaned and submitted and sold
5. Storm Chasing was cleaned and submitted--still waiting word
6. Was nominated for a CAPA for my Inspirational novella Do Overs.
7. Was awarded 2006 best inspirational novel for Do Overs from Single Titles.com
8. C allye's Justice was nominated for Best romance in the annual Predators & Editors poll.
9. Received only two reviews for Callye's Justice. But both were 5 out of 5.
Ashley from FAR gave it 5 angels and says: “Donica Covey managed to portray emotions in an uncommonly good and realistic way. At the heart of this book, it's about two people who are in love who need to find their way back to each other during and after a tragic event. Callye's Justice was one of the better romances I've read, and I can't wait for more from Donica Covey.” (to read the full review go to: http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2007/November/Ashley-CallyesJustice.htm)

Tara Rene from Two Lips gave CJ 5 Lips and this is what she had to say: “This is not a meek, all is right with the world, isn't life beautiful story. It's an honest look at how evil men can be and how strong a woman can be and also how great is the power of love. When you read Callye's Justice you will fall in love with the characters and the plot, I promise! This is a wonderful story that will stay in your hearts for years to come.” (To read her full review you can go to: http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2674&Itemid=36)

In my personal life:

1. We suffered the loss of three aunts, a cousin and a few friends. In a couple of cases it was a shock in others we knew it was inevitable but each one was sad in any event. The three aunts and cousin all died within 2 weeks of each other. Talk about your triple threats!
2. My granny (83) had an ATV accident this past summer and injured her back, ribs, and was generally stiff and sore all over. She was headed out to meet grandpa to help with a cow stillbirth.
3. Granny was recently helping grandpa with the cattle trailer for moving some of the herd to the sale barn. The trailer became dislodged and smashed her hand. She had to have a portion of her pinky amputated.
4. Grandpa (85) became ill from one of his new medications-he had an allergic reaction to his allergy medication-and has felt under the weather. It wasn't enough to keep him in from the fields though!
5. My son became engaged, announced he was going to become a father and got married. This is still mind-blowing for me. The baby is due within this week. Not ready for this. Not at all.
6. My nephew turned four and his birthday party was a BLAST. (My other nephew is 18 months) I'm absolutely in love with my nephews. Two of the sweetest most adorable kids on the planet. I wouldn't trade those boys for anything.
7. Spent another week in the country with my best friend and her two boys. Same as other years. But this year our friend Ronni joined us for the weekend. Talk about your fun in the summer time! My best friend's boys are 13 and 12 so you can imagine what it was like being in a trailer for one week with the two of them. It definitely had its not so great moments. All in all it was a pretty great time. Can't wait for this year's trip!

The outlook for 2008 is still in the air. But here is the general forecast:
1. The baby is due on the 7th of this month.
2. Have a book release this month
3. My daughter's sweet sixteen party is Feb 9.
4. CAPA award winners are announced on Feb 14.
5. My DH's 50th bday party is the end of February.
6. DS and DDIL will be moving in. Along with their newborn.
7. Have a book release in June (Maryna)
8. Have a book release in Midsummer
9. Have one in October (Dragon's Angel)
10. Will edit all this year's upcoming releases (GAH! What a nightmare!)

What I want to accomplish this year:
1. Will write Ember's Flame
2. Will write Finding Tara's Heart
3. Will write Hunting Mickey
Will complete Unholy Matrimony
4. Will take a spring vacation
5. Will take a summer vacation
6. Will take a fall trip (of course as tired as I’m sure I’ll be it will be a tripping fall...)
7. Will spend more time with the family--honest!
8. Will be more organized in my writing life
9. Will be more organized in my personal life
10. Will HAVE a personal life!
11. Will stop obsessing over work. When I'm not on the computer working I am thinking about being on the computer and working. I feel guilty when I'm not on this machine. I WILL stop feeling this way.

I don't make resolutions per se. I don't believe in them. When I hear resolution I hear failure so when I look ahead I see what I want to accomplish and know that if I achieve even half of my list then I've done well. That's why my list looks so over inflated. Some people think that with a list of goals as large as this that I am shooting myself in the head and doomed from the start. I don't agree. Why? I dunno--I just don’t.

Did you achieve all your goals for 2007? What are your plans for 2008?

HAPPY NEW YEAR! May the new one see you happier and healthier than all the ones in the past. May you be richer in love and family than ever before. May the sun always shine in your heart, may peace fill your life.

Huggles,
Donica