Looking toward 2020, I see my path shifting considerably. I am no longer pursuing self-publishing, but finally facing my fears and embracing my true dream of big-name publishing. For years I avoided sending queries to agents. I told myself I wasn’t ready—and the truth is, I wasn’t. But now I am. My query is finally where it needs to be. I have edited book one yet again, to the point that it has far exceeded its self-published counterpart. The manuscript is new, polished and ready for a bigger pond.
This means that my focus will not be selling books and art at little, local pop-up events anymore. I am deeply thankful for the time I spent attending such events and for everything I learned, for all the people I met who inspired me, for all those who purchased my books and art—those memories and that era of my life are extremely precious, but its time to move on. My manuscripts have changed and so have I. This year, I intend to dedicate myself to sending queries and finally embracing my true dream. I am still waiting to hear from several agents, and if they say no I am definitely going back to New York to give it another shot. I’m not afraid anymore. Well—okay, maybe a little, maybe a lot, but facing your fears is what being brave is all about, isn’t it?
On top of all that, my work on Book III is still going strong. I am deeply focused on writing, which is why my art has taken a bit of a back seat. My vision of capturing this story in words is my greatest fuel—though I do still need to draw from time to time.
That being said, here are my favourite drawings from the past decade of my one and only muse, Alastair, using the “Best Nine” format. Alastair is my passion. Alastair is my reason. He means everything to me and then some.
Alastair introduced himself to me as the villain of The Weather Inside back in 2008 and changed my life forever. As a young, naive little eighteen year old, I had NO IDEA what magic he had in store for me. From guiding me to complete two novels to manifesting in the flesh as my literal husband, the 2010s have been an absolutely mind-blowing experience all because of him, to say the least. I could go on and on, but in truth, there are no words. Let's just say that I can only imagine what wonders the 2020s will hold...
Happy New Year, everyone!