Turning 30, Overcoming Adversity and Blogaversary Giveaway Winner

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

I'd like to start off this post by sharing Nick Wilford's news that his "Overcoming Adversity - An Anthology for Andrew" - all proceeds from which will go towards to college fund of his step-son who has cerebral palsy- now has a release date of March 4th 2013. For those of you not aware, Nick held a bloghop where entrance had to write a piece of flash fiction about Overcoming Adversity, and he's compile all entries into an Anthology. Myself and many others took part, and some great stories were created. If you want to know more about Nick's anthology, you can find details here.

In the second piece of news for today, I'm pleased to announce the winner of my Blogaversary Giveaway.

Congratulations, Kyra! I can think of no one more deserving to win my Blogaversary giveaway. You've been with me since back when my stories were just fanfic. Your constant support and encouragement means the world to me, and your own success is a real inspiration. Love you. <3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to everyone who took part in the giveaway, and promoted it. I wish I could give you all something more thank words, because I do truly appreciate the constant support and encouragement of everyone who visits my blog and leaves comments. You guys are awesome! <3 

In personal news, I turn thirty today. I'm not doing anything special - though we did have takeout and cake last night - and it'll mostly be another normal day. I'm trying to be reflective, without regretting anything. There's a lot I wishy I'd accomplished before turning thirty, most prominently getting something published, but I'm focusing on the things I have achieved, like getting married and having two beautiful sons, starting this blog and making a place for myself in the writing section of the blogosphere, and working towards my dream of being published by writing a lot of first drafts and learning important writing lessons. hopefully this year, I can take the next step and move close towards completion.

In writing related news, I've begun proper work on my new project. I spent most of January plotting and planning, and now I'm writing in a slightly different way. Instead of rushing ahead NaNoWriMo style and knocking out a first draft in a matter of weeks, I'm taking things more slowly. I'm writing chapter one, which contains roughly three scenes, and I won't move forwards until I've gotten it as perfect as I can by revising, editing and seeking second opinions. Hopefully this new approach will make the over-all editing process go more smoothly, and create a stronger first draft.

To whet your appetites a little, here is the (current) first line(s) of chapter one:

It’s been twelve weeks since I saw my first dead body. That’s when everything I knew changed and I learnt the world of prenatural entities was real.

Finally, before I head over to my personal blog for a more in-depth personal life update, some more news from the world of my fellow writers. Tomorrow is the release of Christine Rains' third book in her Thirteenth Floor Series: 1303 - The Dragonslayer.  Christine was once again kind enough to allow me to beta for you, and let me tell you, this is one terrific book with a very sexy (shirtless) male lead. You can join Christine and I here on Friday 15th, as part of her Dragonslayer Blog tour, where were discuss fictional dragons and what it takes to be a dragonslayer. Check out Christine's blog for the full schedule of tour dates, and links to where you can buy the Dragonslayer from.