Monday, December 12, 2011

Interesting Facts about 2011

Since the year is winding down, and the next few weeks will be all kinds of crazy with Christmas parties and stuff, I thought I'd throw some stats out there. I love doing stuff like this. Not sure why...

Last year at this time, I was polishing up my query letter to send to agents. I sent my first one on December 14th. A LOT has happened since then. You could say that first query changed me a little. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Well, I sort of did, but didn't think writing would become such a huge part of my life. I had no idea my blog would take off so well either. Anyway, here are some writing stats from this year. It's been a crazy year with a few things I can't share, but someday I'll be able to. Maybe next year. :)

1. Signed with my agent in February.
2. Went from 5 blog followers to 448 in 9 months.
3. Attended my first writing conference.
4. Found some amazing critique partners and betas! And SO many new friends!
5. Started 6 books.
6. Finished 3 books.
7. Revised 2 books.
8. Scrapped one book.
9. Wrote over 200,000 words.
10.Beta read some amazing books for my critique partners.

To top it all off, several friends got book deals, landed agents and had books come out this year.

It was a great year. Hard and emotional, but great. I've grown a ton as a writer. I have 2 more books under my belt. I have some amazing crit partners who have helped me so much. I honestly know I wouldn't be where I am today without them. And thank YOU guys. You've made me feel like people actually like me! lol :) I heart you guys.

2011 was great, but here's to hoping 2012 is even better! :D

What were you doing this time last year? Have any stats you want to share?

21 comments:

prerna pickett said...

what a crazy (yet exciting) year! Hoping that 2012 is even better.

Ruth Josse said...

Wow, you busy woman! You inspire me. Last year at this time I was still working on the book I just finished. I've learned so much this year as a writer and as a person in general.

Jessie Humphries said...

Wow, that is ALOT to be proud of! I didnt do didley squat compared to you. You go girl! Here's to 2012 and our book deals Chantele! chink, chink

Kelsey said...

2011 was just... crazy. That is the word. Looking forward to 2012! I have a feeling it'll be a good one ;)

Sarah Tokeley said...

This time last yearI had written - and shelved - one novel and was pretty sure I didn't have what it takes. How different everything seems now :-)

Leigh Covington said...

What an awesome year Chan! It's awesome to take a look at your accomplishments. You're phenomenal!

Jenna Cooper said...

Wow, you've done so much! I don't have much to brag about in comparison. :)
But for 2012 I'm looking forward to my first writer's conference.

Cristina said...

that's just amazing, and 200,000 words? wow! congratulations on all your achievements.!

Jolene Perry said...

Last year at this time I'd JUST sent out The Next Door Boys to CFI - and then signed my contract in Jan, and now have a book in my hands :D

I started querying this time last year, but it took me until JUNE to find an agent.
Mostly because I didn't know I was querying books that weren't ready.
I'm embarrassed to say how many books I've "finished" since this time last year, but I will say that I'm editing half of them still. And may edit until I die. I still run under the theory that a book is never, actually "done" in the eyes of the author.

I'm really, really, really, hoping to have some more awesome news this year.

And yes, good crit partners are AH-mazing.

Patti said...

I was tired just reading your list. Congratulations. I hope I can accomplish half that much next year.

Jenny S. Morris said...

Congrats on all the things you have accomplished.

I finished the first draft of The Guardian Tribe. (Many revisions and edits have happened since then.)

Found 3 lovely CP's and a few betas. Read some amazing beta and CP stuff.

Started by blog and went from 0 followers to 142 in 6 months.

Gained so many great friends and writing relationships I can't even count!!!

Samantha May said...

It sounds like you've had a great year! I'm sure you will absolutely rock 2012 :)

Samantha
Writing Through College

Angela Cothran said...

200,000? You just made me tired. I think I will lie down :)

Kasie West said...

So cool. I really like this idea of listing stats. (I may have to do it myself). What a fun year!

Myrna Foster said...

That's pretty amazing. :o)

Christine Rains said...

What an incredible year. Congratulations! :) I've been working on my critiquing and revising skills this year. I didn't get as much writing as I wanted done, but my writing craft skills have greatly improved.

Tasha Seegmiller said...

Wow, you have been busy! Congrats on all you have accomplished and good luck with what is coming up.

Nicole said...

Whoa, those are some impressive stats, lady! Nicely done! Hope your 2012 is just as exciting. :)

Rachael Anderson said...

Holy cow, wow!!! And so impressive. You deserve huge kudos for the past year!

Anonymous said...

That sounds like an amazing year. I hope that I can one day say the same. :)

Katie Dodge said...

You are one fantastic writer, my friend! I'd say I can't believe all that you've done in the past year, but I can because I know you. You rock! :)