"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Year End Reflections, Resolutions, etc...


REFLECTIONS...

2012 was a year that will be embraced and remembered for me, for many reasons. Here at Pen and Prosper, it was symbolic of growth.
I posted approximately 102 articles, interviews, tips and quips. I saw my page views double daily.

Along with your support and readership, Pen and Prosper placed as a finalist, last December for the Top 10 Writing Blogs, at Write to Done, (amid some tough competition, and a slew of nominations).
Writing-World.Com Recognized us as an "Awesome Blog" in May, 2012, along with recognition by PocketChange. com.
I sponsored a fun contest. Profiled some interesting writers and creative artists. Laughed and learned.
Received requests from advertisers, even.

I ghost wrote a book. Sealed the deal with a few new clients.
I worked with new editors; said goodbye to some former ones. Experienced the joy of one editor surprising me this week with a Xmas bonus.

I lost a few readers.
I gained a few readers.
And through it all, many of you have been faithful supporters. As this year comes to a close, I'd like to reiterate how grateful I am for your readership, following, and "pen-ship".
You guys are awesome! A special shout-out to all my new Pen & Prosper peeps--welcome.

I'd also like to encourage those of you who have been "silent spectators" to please come forward, comment, and let us know a little about who you are.
Blogging, by its very nature, is intended to be an interactive medium; so let's connect! :-)
If there is anything or anyone you'd like to see featured in the future, please feel free to share this as well.
I look forward to more in year four!

RESOLUTIONS...

In the spirit of growth, I also make it a point to revisit my goals at each year end.
In 2012, some were achieved, while with others...well, I missed the mark.
Like my aspirations to secure an agent and pen a non-fiction book. Not!
But, it's going on my list for 2013, folks.

There's also my vow to get published in the Chicken Soup Series---let's just say I chickened out on this one this year too. But, next year, I intend to come up with a winning recipe!

I also resolve to be more specific with my goals--assigning definite deadlines and dollar amounts.
How about you? What do you resolve?

ETC...

Pen and Prosper wishes each of you a joyous holiday season, (and a safe one).
Please note that Jen will be stuffing her face with turkey, chocolate, pie and egg-nog (though not simultaneously), and thus will be taking a much needed holiday break to recover-- until January 2, 2013.
Feel free to leave comments in the interim, as I will be periodically checking to see what you guys are up to.

Coffeehouse for Writers will begin its new, exciting offerings of online classes for scribes of every genre and level in January, 2013. Stay posted for details. Learn more, earn more. Register at Coffeehouse for Writers today.

That's a wrap, lovely readers! Happy holiday season to you and yours. "Parting is such sweet sorrow..."

Warmly,

Jen  

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

14 comments:

  1. Jennifer:
    Thank you for your transparency. I sometimes feel bad that I haven't achieved my goals. But to hear you say that you haven't met all of yours, we that tells me there is hope for me. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. quietspirit,

      How lovely to hear from you today. How have you been? Let's face it: we're all a "work in progress". :-) We have to just keep praying and plugging away. Right?

      Delete
  2. Hi Jennifer, I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing 'break'. Indulge yourself. You deserve it.

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    Replies
    1. Jennifer Brown BanksDecember 21, 2012 at 6:24 AM

      Thanks, Linda. You too!

      Delete
  3. Jennifer,

    Merry Christmas, and all the very best for 2013. I have enjoyed, and learned so much from your thought-provoking and interesting posts (that contest you put on was so much fun!). I hope that next year, you will achieve those goals that were not met this year.

    Enjoy your break!

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    Replies
    1. Yasmin,

      Thanks so much for your loyal support and N-thusiasm!
      I consider it to be a blessing:-) Be well.

      Delete
  4. Congratulations on a prosperous year! Will be cheering you on in the Chicken Soup quest. :) Thanks so much for all you've added to my life, writing and otherwise. You are blessing! Have a wonderful break!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jennifer Brown BanksDecember 21, 2012 at 5:35 PM

    Karen,

    Ditto, kiddo! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great to see that you had a prosperous year, with a lot of productivity, and all kinds of achievements. You also inspire me to be a little more productive because just minutes ago (on my Home Business Blog) I actually wrote my own New - Crispy Fresh - Yearly 'What Happened in 2012' post.

    (And that while I usually am
    not alway's that productive, or to say
    it in other words, my posts usually
    are frequently kept pretty - Exclusive - :))


    And while I feel that for my own 'Work in Progress' there still is loads of room for many more improvements, now with my About the Author Message that you get when you write your Comments, and several other improvements in place, it feels like in 2012 I did actually make some new (- Footstep Fiction -) step towards a better blog.

    Happy Chistmas, and Best Wishes for 2013!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jennifer Brown BanksDecember 22, 2012 at 6:53 AM

      H.P.,

      It's been nice having you as a follower; I appreciate your "engaging" comments and your time. And I wish you every success in 2013! :-)

      Delete
  7. Hi, Jen. Thanks for sharing your achieved goals as well as your "not so much," ones. Same here. I vowed at the beginning of 2012 to pen 12 romances for Woman's World and only managed three'; none of which sold. Sigh. But I'll keep trying. I sold one book and have another on the block so I'll be working on that in 2013 as well as keeping my own blog readers happy and taking article assignments. We'll keep chugging along together and hope for the very best. Right? God bless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jennifer Brown BanksDecember 28, 2012 at 6:30 AM

      Hi Sue,

      Good to see you back on the scene, here. :-)
      Congrats on your many successes for 2012. May we both have lots more in 2013!

      Thanks so much for your loyal support.

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  8. Happy Holidays. I love that you revisit your goals at the end of the year. I think a lot of us write them down and by end of January, we have lost the list. Good luck on accomplishing all the wonderful things that you set out to do and enjoy that much needed break!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jennifer Brown BanksDecember 28, 2012 at 6:35 AM

      Cynthia,

      Welcome! OMG...I just had an opportunity to visit your site, (upon clicking on the link to your comment)... how awesome...you go girl! I love the colors, topics, and design. I'll be back.
      Yep---visiting and revisiting our goals is crucial to continued success. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts today. From where did you learn of us here at Pen & Prosper? Do tell. :-)

      Delete