Embracing 2014 by Mae Clair

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Mae Clair

The New Year has arrived and with it my plans to look ahead. I learned a lot in 2013. In many ways it was a mixed bag of blessings.

I saw the publication of my second novel, TWELFTH SUN, and also participated in my first NaNoWriMo. I’m pleased to say I came out of NaNo a winner with a 50K+ rough draft of my Mothman-based story, Negative Reach. If all goes according to schedule, I hope to publish it in 2015.

The year wasn’t without its trying moments, however. My day job branched into new and demanding avenues which made me less visible online during the last quarter. I even had to drop off a few email lists because I couldn’t keep up with the messages. Fortunately, I love what I do, even when it’s mentally exhausting. In the New Year, I hope to achieve a better balance that allows me to enjoy my writing career as well as the one that pays my bills. 🙂

As always, I love reading as much as writing. In 2013 I read 69 books toward my goal of 75. Maybe I can actually hit that number in 2014. I discovered some wonderful authors, many of who became new friends, and I continued friendships with all the amazing people who have been my support base for so long. A super shout-out to all the followers of my blog. You guys rock! Thanks especially for the comments on my posts. I love hearing from you. Your opinions, thoughts and ramblings are a delight on each and every post I make.

So, what’s ahead in 2014?

Yep, patience is going to be a big one for me as I tackle the following:

First up, I hope to indie publish SOLSTICE ISLAND, a romantic adventure you’ve likely heard about before. Hey, a voting-round on this blog actually helped determine the title! I’ve never indie pubbed, so I’m highly nervous and hoping I can figure out the Kindle formatting.

Something very cool I’m proud to announce…I designed the cover for SOLSTICE ISLAND myself. More news on that soon as I hope to release the novella later this month or February at the latest. There will be a cover reveal. 🙂

The week of February 9^th, I will be the hostess on the Sizzle and Sass Facebook page and hope you’ll join me by popping in now and again. I’ll be the first to admit I suck at Facebook. I swear if there is a mathematical equation in the universe that deciphers how to fit FB into an already jam-packed day, it’s eluded me. I am, however, constantly on the lookout for a solution. One of my goals for 2014 is to be more visible on FB. I just wish I liked it better 😦

Also on the radar for 2014:

ECLIPSE LAKE
I feel like I’ve been talking about this one forever. A romantic mystery revolving around a missing person’s case, it’s on schedule for indie-publication in May/June of 2014. I’ve already received the first round of edits from my editor.

MYTH AND MAGIC
I’ll be sharing more updates on this in the months ahead. It’s another romantic mystery, set during October with an emphasis on Halloween. Naturally, I’d like to publish it in October of 2014, an ideal marriage of timing. Cross your fingers I can pull it off. It involves a couple who were childhood friends, had a horrible falling out, and are reunited at a corporate retreat when events take a strange and supernatural turn.

I’ve also got several short stories in the works that I’ll either be submitting to various publications or grooming for an anthology.

Of course, this is assuming all those carefully plotted goals and timelines cooperate. Then again, I’m known to be extremely hardheaded and stubborn when I want something, a trait inherited from my German father.

Finally, Mythical Monday will continue in full bloom. I can’t get enough of the odd trappings of folklore and eerie urban legends that lurk in the shadowed corners of history. I hope you’ll join me each Monday as I explore new tales centered around bizarre creatures, ethereal beings and peculiar beasties. I’m a cryptozoologist at heart.

So here’s to 2014 and my many wonderful friends. I’m excited and happy to share it with all of you. 😀

28 thoughts on “Embracing 2014 by Mae Clair”

L.J. Kentowski on January 3, 2014 at 8:36 AM said:

Congrats on such great accomplishments in 2013! It sounds like an exciting year ahead and I cannot wait to see you reach every goal!

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- Mae Clair on January 3, 2014 at 7:47 PM said:
  
  Thanks, L.J. I’m approaching 2014 with new energy. Hopefully, I can channel it into the next twelve months and beyond. It’s amazing the fresh perspective brought by a new year! Thanks for all your support and well wishes!
  
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Julia Gabriel (@authorjulia) on January 3, 2014 at 9:15 AM said:

Wow, you’ve got an action-packed 2014 planned! Looking forward to more of your books!

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- Mae Clair on January 3, 2014 at 7:48 PM said:
  
  Thanks, Julia. It’s always lovely to see you here. I’m looking forward to more of your releases as well!
  
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gemmabrocato on January 3, 2014 at 10:08 AM said:

You’ve had a great 2013 and I am willing to bet 2014 will be a banner year for you. Solstice Island and Eclipse Lake sound like they will be exceptional books. Good luck with everything you have planned in 2014.

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- Mae Clair on January 3, 2014 at 7:49 PM said:
  
  Thanks, Gemma. I’m super excited to hit the ground running. I’ve got a lot to tackle and learn in the upcoming months. Hopefully, I can rise to the challenge. Here’s wishing you an awesome 2014 as well!
  
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amadiex on January 3, 2014 at 11:56 AM said:

WOW you are one busy lady! Congrats on all your accomplishments and I wish you much success on your new adventures!! I know that the day jobs can pull us away from our true passion and finding balance is important. When you do find it pass it on because inquiring minds want to know!!

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- Mae Clair on January 3, 2014 at 7:51 PM said:
  
  So lovely to see you here! 🙂 Thanks for the congrats and wishes for the future. The day jobs really have a hold on us, don’t they? I love what I do but sometimes it can really be draining by the time the end of the day rolls around, leaving little room for creativity. Sending you vibes to find that perfect balance too an wishing you only the best in 2014!
  
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Kitt Crescendo on January 3, 2014 at 1:15 PM said:

You’ve accomplished so much, my friend! Both your freshman and sophomore efforts were top notch. Thanks again for all your support this last year and a half. I look forward to continuing our friendship. BTW, your sizzle factor in Twelfth Sun was great! I liked that Sizzle and Sass page so I can support you when you hostess. Can’t wait to see what the new year brings forth for you!

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- Mae Clair on January 3, 2014 at 7:52 PM said:
  
  Thanks, Kitt. You are always a ray of sunshine with your upbeat, positive attitude. I’m sending wishes for much success your way too. I’m glad you enjoy the Sizzle and Sass FB page and liked my sizzle factor in Twelfth Sun. That book was so much fun to write. Here’s to an awesome 2014 for both of us! 😀
  
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Diane Kachmar on January 3, 2014 at 2:50 PM said:

I love Mythical Mondays
!

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- Mae Clair on January 3, 2014 at 7:55 PM said:
  
  YAY! Hi, Diane! Looking forward to hooking up with you in person later this month. So glad you enjoy my Mythical Mondays. I’ve already started digging up new myths and urban legends for the coming year and have begun making notes on a new series involving….wait for it….cryptozoologists/myth hunters. Like that’s a surprise, LOL!
  
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Emma on January 3, 2014 at 3:47 PM said:

I’m impressed with the 69 books.That’s a lot of reading in my eyes. My reading slowed down last year. I didn’t manage my time all that well in 2013 so I intend to work on that this year.
I’m looking forward to Solstice Island. Wow, you have a lot of books coming out! Best of luck, Mae. We’ll be here cheering you on.

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- Mae Clair on January 3, 2014 at 7:58 PM said:
  
  Thanks, Emma. Your support is so appreciated. You’e always there to comment and cheer me on and that means a lot. And I think you did pretty darn good in 2014 with new releases and a fun blog. I know 2014 is going to be a banner year for you too.
  As for reading, as soon as I finish one book I start another. I simply can’t be without, LOL. I track them on Goodreads but also added an index card app to my iPad Mini I use for tracking titles and dates. It’s fun to look back over my reading list for the last year.
  
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Joanne Wadsworth * Romance Author on January 3, 2014 at 4:13 PM said:

I’m looking forward to Solstice Island too. I’ve read both Weathering Rock and Twelfth Sun. Loved them both. Can’t wait to see what comes in 2014.

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- Mae Clair on January 3, 2014 at 8:00 PM said:
  
  Aww, thanks, Joanne. You are just wonderful! I know I’m behind on my reading titles because of NaNo, but I’ve got ours on my list. You are one busy writer with so many releases coming out within months of each other. A true inspiration and wonderfully supportive of other authors. Thank you, my friend! Here’s to a fab 2014! Cheers!
  
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Debbie Peterson on January 3, 2014 at 4:18 PM said:

Can’t wait for everything to come to fruition for you! So looking forward to your new offerings and don’t forget me for cover reveals and guest blogs!

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- Mae Clair on January 3, 2014 at 8:02 PM said:
  
  Hi, Debbie. I count myself lucky when I discovered your books last year. You’ve become such a wonderfully supportive friend. You totally rock! And yes, I will come begging blog space for cover reveals and guest blogs, LOL. 😉 You’re a sweetheart! Happy New Year!
  
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Sue on January 3, 2014 at 5:09 PM said:

I’m tired just reading your blog 😀 The only thing I sorta know for sure is my book The Bench will be published by Create Space in the next couple of months. It’s a collection of shorts from the powerfully evocative to fanciful and everything in between; perfect when taking a break on the bench.

And I can’t believe you keep tract of how many books you read…

Best of luck this year

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- Mae Clair on January 3, 2014 at 8:05 PM said:
  
  LOL! HI, Sue! I always love when you pop in. I didn’t know about The Bench. Exciting news indeed. Please email me about promo if you’d like me to do a splash for you. I love collections and have at least one up my sleeve. Looking forward to yours!
  
  And, yep, 2013 was the first year I tracked books that I read. Too much fun not to continue in the new year 🙂
  
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stanalei15 on January 3, 2014 at 5:19 PM said:

Wow, Mae! Your 2014 sounds jammed packed full of fun and ambition. I wish the best for success in the new year. I’m excited to see your progress with indie publishing too. That’s a courageous jump. Good luck and see you in the coming months.

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- Mae Clair on January 3, 2014 at 8:07 PM said:
  
  Hi, Stanalei. Happy New Year!
  I’ve got to admit the indie pubbing thing is scary but I feel like I need to give it a try, especially since I have several titles that don’t fit with traditional houses (too much mystery for romance readers and too much romance for mystery readers, not to mention the speculative fiction titles also in the works). Thanks for your well wishes, friendship and support. I always love seeing you on my blog and send you the same wishes for success in 2014! 🙂
  
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Christy on January 3, 2014 at 6:11 PM said:

You had a year to be proud of. And I’ve enjoyed meeting and getting to know you via cyber space and reading your stories in 2013.
Regarding indie publishing, my second ebook (which I formatted through Scrivener) was a lot easier than my first ebook (which I formatted through Word). The first POD I formatted in Word was a pain, but once it was done I used it as a template for the second.
I’m sure 2014 will be your best year yet!

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- Mae Clair on January 3, 2014 at 8:10 PM said:
  
  Christy, it’s been awesome getting to know you too and I’ve loved reading both of your releases. I purchased and downloaded Scrivener (I actually got it at a 50% discount for “winning” NaNo) but haven’t done the tutorial yet. I’m still up in the air about using Word or Scrivener for indie pubbing, but based on your input, might go with the latter. The whole concept is still very scary for me.
  Thanks for all your well wishes as I head into 2014. I’m sending those same wishes right back’atcha! 😀
  
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sheridegrom - From the literary and legislative trenches. on January 4, 2014 at 3:19 AM said:

Mae, you are indeed an author to watch! Not only do you have an incredible & impressive social media presence, you never cease to amaze me with the highest quality of story telling. I haven’t a doubt that you’ll accomplish every item on your list in 2014.

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- Mae Clair on January 4, 2014 at 9:00 AM said:
  
  Thank you so much, Sheri. It’s always a pleasure to see you here and I so appreciate all the support you’ve given me. I couldn’t do half of what I do without the great network of friends I have! 🙂
  
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Flossie Benton Rogers on January 4, 2014 at 2:37 PM said:

You have a big year ahead of you. I look forward to all your releases and your continuing excellent blog posts. The mothman book will be a very interesting one, I’m sure. He’s a fascinating creature. Patience is a worthwhile virtue for which to aspire. I could use some help in that area as well. All best wishes and keep the faith.

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- Mae Clair on January 4, 2014 at 6:19 PM said:
  
  Thanks, Flossie, for all the kind thoughts and support! I’m looking forward to 2014 and tackling the projects. As for the Mothman…I have a huge fascination for him and even took a trip to Point Pleasant West Virginia last June so I could do research on the area. I’ve devoured everything I can find on the Mothman and the Silver Bridge disaster of 1967. It was fascinating to visit the town, talk to people who lived there, and even visit the TNT area. I’ve got a few more projects first, and then I’ll be polishing up Negative Reach to unleash the Mothman in a mystery tale 🙂
  So glad you’re enjoying my blog!
  
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