2015

It is 2015 and I have made a decision to commit to blogging this year! That's right, no matter how busy I am, or when I'd rather be cuddling up next to the fire devouring a good book, I WILL BLOG! The determination has set in, and there is no stopping me! (Yes, I know I've said that before.)
  But this year, I really want to use blogging to exercise my writing skills in a fun and relaxing way. I am looking forward to being back on here, sharing my thoughts, ideas, and anything I feel like God is pressing on my heart to write to my readers.

For this post, I'd like to share some highlights of my 2014 year, and what I'm looking forward to in 2015.

Writing

I feel like last year was when I truly became serious about my writing. Jotting stories for fun turned into writing a publishable novel. My hobby turned into a passion that God is using to help me grow and serve Him. Having my book read by a professional editor was a very good decision and helped me see what I need to work on to make my novel the best it can possibly be.

(At Goodrich Memorial Library in Newport. This plays a significant role in my book.)

One of the biggest highlight's of last year, was being able to go to Newport,Vermont, where my book takes place and finally seeing it for myself. I always knew it would be a wise idea to actually go to the location I'm writing about. (You know how they ALWAYS say, "Write what you know!"). And it finally worked for me to go, thanks to my amazingly supportive parents! It was a special experience, and the setting is suddenly a whole lot easier to describe. (:

(Hanging out at the boardwalk at Lake Memphremegog. Another significant part of the story.)

This year, as I work on my rewrite, I am hoping my skills will continue to grow, and my book will finally be ready for the publishers!

Running

I also ran my fourth marathon last year with my dad in Little Rock Arkansas. It was VERY unusually cold and rainy and just plain YUCKY. But, it was an experience I will never forget, and we got our super ginormous medals. So it was worth it.

(The only picture of me with my medal is in my pjs after my teeth stopped chattering.)

Running is special to me. It's a time I get to spend with just my dad. Marathon training is much easier when he is at my side. Whether we're discussing our day, aspirations, 80's movies, or not even talking at all, having him as a running partner definitely makes the hard long miles worth it! This year, I'd like to run one or maybe two marathons. The one we have our eye on right now is the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth Minnesota.

Career

Since I discovered my huge passion for writing, I've decided it would be nice to one day be a full time writer. So when I received an email through Writer's Digest with the heading, "How to Make a Living as a Writer." I became, quite curious. The email led me to AWAI (American Writers and Artists Inc.), and that's where I read about copywriting and decided it would definitely be something I'd be interested in. I won't make this paragraph longer than it should be by explaining all the elements of copywriting, but what I will explain, is that copywriting is persuasive writing and marketing, and something that has been a part of my life for about three months now!

I just finished training in AWAI's Accelerated Copywriting Program, and am excited to start launching my business as I go into the Christian Industry and specialize in webwriting. (Okay now I am sounding all businessy!)

Fun

I am glad to say, I still have time for fun! A big part of fun for me is reading. Yes, I am a major book worm and proud of it. Last year, my friend Michaela and I read a lot of the same books and spent many text messages either discussing them or how wonderful the fiction heroes were. I reached my goal I set on Goodreads to read 40 books. I know that sounds like a lot but I've seen people who have read at least a hundred a year! 

This year, I'm raising my goal just up to fifty, so we'll see what happens. What I love about reading is that there are so many genres and categories. I love the classics of course. Jane Eyre has been my favorite book since I was fourteen. But lately I've gotten into fantasy and Christian fiction. This year, I think I'll even go a little out of my comfort zone and read some sci-fi. (I've heard Marissa Meyer is really good.) What I'm really, really excited about is I've started a book club with a few friends of mine. Yes, I do believe it's going to be a good year!

So now that I feel like I just wrote a Christmas letter, I will close this post by saying that 2014 was great. It was challenging in a good way, and God made His goodness and mercy known to me over and over. I'm so thankful for the people He's placed in my life, and the desires He's placed in my heart. Probably the most important thing I learned this year, was that no matter what I'm doing and in what situation, to do my very best and all for His glory.

I would love to hear what some of your own highlights of 2014 and goals for 2015! Please share in the comments! 

God Bless!

~Allissa~