Wickeds, we are closing in on the new year. For some of us, Christmas is two days away. So tell me, what is the best advice you got in 2015? How was that advice a gift? What did you learn that you can pass on?
Edith: My fifth and sixth novels were published in 2015. This stuns and delights me, and 
is still a little hard to believe. Advice is often given to debut novelists, like, ahem, the AWESOME Julianne Holmes (aka our own Wicked Julie Hennrikus), to enjoy the ride. I think this is still one of the best admonitions, despite nobody actually saying it to me in 2015. Even when it’s our second or sixth or sixteenth published book, it’s important to celebrate. To toast with a glass of bubbly, to do a dance, to order a cake. To walk out of your house and yell, “Whoopee!” Don’t ever stop celebrating. And you know, everybody has something to celebrate.
Liz: Some words I’ve been trying to live by: Everything will happen exactly as it’s supposed to. I try to focus on this if I start getting ahead of myself, like thinking I should have published a certain amount of books by now, or be at a different place in my life. I have a laminated card in my office with a slightly different take: Whether or not it is clear to you, the Universe is unfolding as it should. Good reminder for all.
Jessie: The best advice I received was to start a gratitude journal. I think of myself as a person who is generally appreciative but makign a habit, every Sunday morning, to sit at my desk and to write down those things in the past week for which I feel grateful has made a real difference in what I focus my attention upon. I feel uplifted on Sunday mornings and I can remind myself by just thumbing through of all the wonders, large and small, my life affords.
Julie: As Edith said, the advice to enjoy every minute was well taken. Also, to stop and celebrate each milestone. Too often goals are met (like finishing a draft, or getting copy edits in), but we just blow past them and set the next goal. Now, I am trying to take every milestone, and celebrate it.
Sherry: My daughter gave me my best writing advice this year. I was upset about a review that wasn’t very nice and she said (paraphrasing someone) “You can be the sweetest juiciest peach in the whole world and there’s still going to be someone who hates peaches.” It’s why I know can occasionally be seen chanting “not everyone likes peaches.” It’s so true and applies to all of us. Then she painted the saying for me and I keep it in my office.
Barb: The best advice I got this year was during Julie Hennrikus’s interview with Elizabeth George at Crime Bake. George said something like, “Always move in ways that open up the story.” This struck me as good advice not just for writing but for life, especially as we get older.
What do you say, readers? Good advice or bad? What’s the best advice you got this year?
Great gift to us! Sherry, thanks for sharing your daughter’s advice. A really good reminder that in life, there are often people who you just can’t please. Merry Christmas to all!
Her advice has been invaluable to me in many circumstances, Vida! Merry Christmas to you too!
That is great advice from Elizabeth!
It is great advice, isn’t it? Merry Christmas to you!
Many writers say, “keep writing and persevere.” All of you here have demonstrated that advice. Thanks for the inspiration. I’ve enjoyed your blogs and hope you all have a wonderful holiday. May 2016 transform dreams into reality.
Elaine, you are such a great supporter. I loved the interview we did. I hope 2016 is a wonderful year for you! Will I see you at Malice?
Love that saying from your daughter, Sherry. And so true (I repeated it to my girl and she said, “Not really a fan of peaches.” So there you go!).
True confession time–I can’t bear touching peaches. This is source of never ending amusement for my nieces and nephews. Something about the peach fuzz. I love the taste of them, so if I wear gloves and peel them, all good. So not sure where that works in the analogy…
Peach fuzz? It’s amazing what I find out on this blog!
I have to wash and peel peaches, too, Julie, or else I get itchy lips. Never a good sign!
That is a great story, Mary!
Every year I register late because I don’t know my schedule, which is dependent on my family. I think so–but until April I won’t know for sure. I hope to attend!
Hope to see you there!
All great advice. I think I need to repeat that peach advice myself quite frequently.
Maybe we are going to start a whole group of people walking around muttering, “Peaches” to themselves!
Sounds like a plan, Sherry.
Great advice. Thanks for sharing! Wishing you all a happy holiday season and wonderful, productive 2016!
The same to you, Susan!
All great advice. Mine is to take the time to enjoy your own pursuits of joy in bits and pieces as you can and let go of the guilt when we do. We get so busy with our families, writing, marketing, promo. This season I am getting over back surgery and forced for two solid weeks to NOT use my computer and take pain meds on a regular basis. Not used to any of that! So I used the time when I was awake king up the back to read the stack of books that were there not because a reviewer had sent them but because they were books I wanted to read for myself. And I enjoyed the down time even more! Happy Holidays to all~
That sounds like an excellent way to spend your recovery time! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Sometimes He MAKETH thee to lie down!
Hope you are healing up well, Marni! I did the same when I had major surgery a few years ago. Such a treat to be forced onto the couch to read.
What wise and excellent advice, Sherry. Your daughter sounds like a real peach, and I really like peaches –and your books, too!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Wickeds!
She is a peach — thank you Vickie! Merry Christmas and a very happy new year to you!