So I thought I’d stop in and say hi since it’s been a while.
Since October, I had another huge life change that is pretty exciting. I accepted a full-time position at the library in marketing, as the Branch Programming and Community Engagement Associate, which means I am focusing on understanding our demographics and making sure everyone in our community is being served equally. I survived my first month! It’s been a blast, and I’m really looking forward to continuing this work. And before you panic, I am still providing my services, including editing. (What can I say? I’m a workaholic.)
Last month, I signed books at the Local Author Fair in Kansas City, Missouri! It was so much fun. We even had pastries paired with our books. Mine was a mocha muffin (and they were delicious), so if you came out, I hope you had fun. In regards to future signings, I’m not actively pursuing events right now. Life’s just too crazy. But if something happens to come up and it works with my schedule, I’ll definitely show up with a smile. I’ll let you all know if I have another one.
I also participated in NaNoWriMo for the first time in my writing life. I’ve never been against NaNoWriMo, it just never felt like something for me. But with all these life changes happening, I’ve been feeling really bummed out about my writing, and I thought NaNoWriMo might help push me to put words down regardless. And I did! I was also able to host NaNoWriMo at my library, so that was fun! I learned what a five-headed Hydra word sprint was, and word wars, and so many other fun events. I’m now trying to host a Camp NaNoWriMo in July too.
In my personal life, I can gratefully say that we’ve finally moved everything. (Now to unpack.) But hey, life shouldn’t be so crazy anymore now that we’re settled. My health is improving, which is so relieving, and I am planning on continuing my tradition of end-of-the-year blog posts this month. For those of you who are new to my blog, I like to sum up the year at the end by sharing my top ten blog posts, writing journey summary, my favorite books, best new writing tools, and my publishing predictions. Granted, I’ll probably only share my favorite books and writing journey summary. But I hope you enjoy them regardless!
Happy Holidays, friends,
~SAT
Shannon A. Thompson 
Hey Shannon, I wanted to thank you for telling me about the Forest App. I don’t use it as often as I should, but when I do, it really does work. I block out all the social media sites, but make sure I have access to Google so I can research if needed for what I’m working on. A couple of weekends ago, I used it on a Saturday to get a story done. Three writing sessions, 2 1/2 hours, and 2,400 words later, the story was done.
I’m planning on doing something similar today to make some progress on a longer work.
So, thank you!
So glad it worked! What a happy update. Thank you for sharing!
~SAT
Did you achieve the 50,000 word goal for NaNoWriMo. I’ve tried NaNo a few times but find it impossible to write that way. My internal editor is far too loud for me to just cut loose.
I did! But I was revising rather than writing something brand new. I’m the same way with that internal editor! This was my first time. Maybe I’ll try writing next time.
~SAT
NaNo was part of the impetus when I started writing about 15 years ago. That first time, I wrote about 20,000 words during that November. Probably because I had no idea of quality. I was just writing to see if I could do it. I’ve tried it two or three times since and never got close to even 20,000.
Glad you could use it for something productive.
Conbrats on your job. Having a reliable income makes a lot of things so much easier.
It does! My income was fine with freelance editing, but with freelancing, it’s always all over the place. I still love editing, though, so I’m not giving that up. But it’s so nice to have a more steady schedule.
And thank you on the congrats! Much appreciated. I hope this year has been good to you.
~SAT
Glad to hear from you!
Thanks. 😀
~SAT
Congratulations on venturing into Nanowrimo! Every year I consider it, then back away slowly and carefully. I do plan finally to publish my book on prayer and a book of poetry this next year. Somehow I had missed that you too are in the KC Metro area. I’m on the outskirts in Leavenworth. Keep on writing well!
It was definitely an experience. And very cool! So happy to hear about your goals. And yes, here’s to KC!
~SAT