These a meme I saw recently that goes something like this:

January

February

March …

blink

December.

I’ve got to say, it does seem like I blinked and the year is almost finished.

 Since September

• I’ve released The Herbalist’s Daughter as a e-story on Amazon and other digital outlets.
• I had a fantastic time a few days in Katomba with the quirky quills & then at the Omega Writers Conference in Mulogoa. Meet old friends, made some new ones, was encouraged and inspired in my writing journey and had the opportunity to inspire others through a Bootcamp session.
• Had fun at the Be Creative Camp especially in the watercolours workshop – letting my imagination roam.
• Wrote 50,000 words as part of NaNoWriMo in November
• Had a short story – Stasia’s Stand – accepted by Birdcatcher books for an anthology in 2017
• Received some good feedback on Rasel’s Song though the Caleb Competition
• And also some feedback on Heart of the Mountain’s cover ‘a simple, clean design that makes its point well’ Joel Friedlander, e-Book Cover Design Awards, November 2016

 Anniversaries

This December is the second year anniversary of Tied in Pink: romance anthology (December 2014) and the first year anniversary of Let the Sea Roar, Another Time Another Place, and Like a Girl (December 2015).

The Herbalist’s Daughter (in Tied in Pink) was my first published story. I now have seven short stories and over eight poems published. It’s been an exciting two years 🙂

 Future Plans

I’m planning on publishing Lakwi’s Lament (a short story originally published in Like a Girl anthology Dec 2015) in January and hoping to have the sequel to Heart of the Mountain edited and published early next year.

I’m also working towards publication of Akrad’s Children, Rasel’s Song and Mannok’s Betrayal.

So far all my stories (with the exception of Sandy:Perfect Plans in Let the Sea Roar and, possibly, Space Junk in Genre-lly Speaking) are set in the world of Nardva – though often in different places, times and/or cultures.

Reviews

I’ve also been chuffed with some fantastic reviews of Heart of the Mountain: a short novella both on Amazon, Goodreads and different blogs.

“She (Jeanette O’Hagan) skillfully weaves plot and developing relationships into a gripping, high stakes tale and wraps it up lickity-spit with a satisfying conclusion that leaves you keen to read more.” M. Adams, Goodreads

“This is an intriguing novella with a richly detailed storyworld.” R. Rodda, Goodreads

“Jeannette O’Hagan takes readers on a fast paced adventure of intrigue, mystery and action. She leaves us wanting more. The fantasy world that O’Hagan has created has depth and originality with a rich history and fascinating characters.” L. Painter, Goodreads

and many more on Goodreads

 “Jeanette O’Hagan creates a world rich in lore and mystery.” K. Beaumont on Hunters of Reloria

 

If you have read and enjoyed Heart of the Mountain, I’d love you to leave a review (it doesn’t have to be long). And if you haven’t read it yet, copies are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and other outlets.

I’ve also read some fantastic books (more on this next post) including craft books and fiction – YA, Sci-Fi and fantasy. (See upcoming post – Jeanette’s 2016 Spec Fic Picks).

 

2017

While there has been a lot of sadness and tragedy during 2016, and some challenges for myself and my family – it has also been a year with lots to celebrate and appreciate. I treasure the support and encouragement of my readers and fellow writers.

Wishing you and your families a Christmas time and New Year – full of joy, peace and love.

Jeanette O’Hagan