As 2017 draws to a close, I’m taking a little time to reflect on the positive aspects of a somewhat disturbing year.

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who has read my books, posted comments or reviews, and given me encouragement over the past few years. A pall settled on the creative energy early on and at times, writing proved to be a struggle rather than the exciting, energizing activity it usually is. Your encouragement kept me going. So, once again, my deepest gratitude.

My goals were loftier than my accomplishments, but I am proud of what I did manage to achieve. While I had hoped to release three books, I only managed to edit and publish one of them, Funeral Singer: A Song of Betrayal.

My YA book, Dew Dropping Hour, an urban fantasy novel,  is still in rewrite phase as I am not happy with the pacing of the book and putting it through my critique group is a slow process. But I’ll rework it until I’m happy with it rather than release something that isn’t the best it can be.

The third book I’d hoped to release is in the O’Ceagan Saga universe. I wrote the draft in November 2016, but haven’t touched it since. That’s now on my list for the current year. It’s actually an interim novel that features the puca rather than the O’Ceagan characters, but they are in the story.

Also on the schedule for this year is the fourth book of the Funeral Singer series, which is written and awaiting editing. I plan to have that released in the spring and if all goes well, the last book in that series will be out in the fall. Of course, my schedule is always subject to the whims of life.

To top it off, I just purchased a new cover that caught my eye. So many talented artists are making gorgeous covers that I need to restrain myself. But this one called out to me and I couldn’t resist. All I can say is that it appears I will be writing a time travel and/or  steampunk novel in the near future.  Not the first time I’ve been inspired by a cover.

Along with author Margaret McGaffey Fisk, I did an Earth Day Fair in the spring and a small Comic-Con in Reno, Nevada to meet people and peddle books. Margaret, her husband Colin, and I comprised a panel on Immortality as seen by Hollywood. That was fun and drew a few more people to our table.

On the personal side of life, I did a little traveling and relaxing. In February, I met my brother and his wife in Cancun, Mexico to celebrate his birthday. Great fun, warm, and so beautiful.

In April, I enjoyed a trip to New York City, met with a couple of friends, and  saw three Broadway musicals. We took in “Come From Away”, “Natasha and Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” with the amazing Josh Groban, and “The Bandstand”, a new American musical set just after World War II and featuring swing music. Awesome theater!

In October, I had a great time in LA at a Highlander the Series Convention with many of the actors, directors and other creatives from the series. Wonderful to catch up with everyone, old friends and new.

When you reflect on 2017, I trust your year has many special memories also. I hope the coming year will bring good times, memorable moments, and more happiness than trouble. Happy 2018 to everyone!

Lily