So 2016 is over and done with, let’s all breathe out a collective sigh of relief.

When your year begins with an enormous personal loss followed by a series of dramatic changes (moving in with my boyfriend then moving interstate to a tiny rural town) you know things are going to be a struggle. Mat and I persevered however, and one great thing that’s come out of last year is knowing that we can be overtired, overworked, depressed, stressed and angry and still love the heck out of one another. This is especially good to know since in 2017 we’re set to do it all again.

 

Now let’s look at what went right in 2016

 

I won my first short story competition:

Early in the year I won the inaugural Microfiction and Mentorship Competition at The Writing Junction for my short story ‘Crow’. This was especially thrilling and has encouraged me to start submitting to more comps in 2017

 

I graduated from my Masters in Writing and Literature at Deakin University:

Oh how wonderful it was to receive that marvellous mail tube and unfurl the glorious piece of paper. I still to buy a frame for it though.

 

My first nonfiction article was published:

Thank you Overland for taking a punt and accepting my pitch and then accepting the finished product. You can read ‘What Does Everyone Have Against Speculative Fiction?’ on their website.

 

My first newspaper article was published:

Yes it was in the tiny rural newspaper of the Tatura Guardian, but it was still exciting seeing my name in physical print.

 

I returned to the world of retail:

Not exactly a writing success but it’s of benefit to the bank balance and has introduced me to some lovely people, as did the invaluable experience volunteering at the Tatura Community House.

 

I applied to a Higher Degree by Research:

Clearly I can’t stand being away from Uni for too long. This time I’ve applied to a research Masters which I can extend to a PhD if the fates allow. I will let you know the outcome of this application in due course.

 

2017 is already shaping up to be hectic year but I hope it will be a good one and that Mat and I can find a little slice of Victoria that works for us and our dog.

 

Until next time,

Sarah