I keep seeing memes online about the disaster that has been 2016. It really has felt like a year of ups and downs across the world. It seems a lot of us are looking forward to rolling over into the New Year soon.
This year my debut novel was published and I have been so grateful for all the support I’ve had from readers. Getting a message from someone saying they loved your book is the most amazing thing. Something I wrote connected with someone else. All I ever wanted was for someone to fall in love with a story I had written, as I have done so many times as a reader. Thank you so much everyone who has been in touch about the book, and everyone who picked it up in the first place!
I love to write and I hope that I get to have another story out in the world one day soon. You’ll be the first to know when I do! It’s hard to have self belief as a writer particularly when you don’t set the bestseller charts on fire. It’s easy to doubt yourself at any stage of your journey I think. I wish I had a magic wand to wipe away all our doubts. All I can do, all us writers can do, is keep on telling our stories the only way we know how to do. And, hopefully, people will connect with them.
The last few months have been a struggle as I’ve been ill and am hoping now my overactive thyroid is being treated I will soon be feeling more like myself. It’s been difficult to write when I’ve felt so out of sorts but it’s also been a way to take my mind off it all.
I never want to lose my love of storytelling. I think you can get lost in worrying about publishing and achieving your goals whether they are getting an agent or a book deal or something else, but there’s really no point. We have very little control over anything other than our stories. So that’s what I’m going to be focusing on next year.
Telling stories.
I am looking forward to Christmas and I’m not going to lie am hoping that 2017 will be a healthier and a happier one. For ALL of us!
Lots of love to everyone,
Victoria
xoxo
Victoria Walters 
Take care for the coming time. Hoping for better just wishes away what we have, this year I’ve tried to enjoy everything happening. Even though my writing is struggling my photography has helped fill the gap. Although I struggle with not writing I don’t feel I have anything to write at the moment, when I don’t write, things fill up. So I will start start again soon. I have to say I have vicariously enjoyed your journey getting publshed, thanks.
Illness sucks by the way, hope it all turns round soon.
Jim
Thank you Jim! And good luck with your writing too. I shall try not to wish time away, it’s just that time of year when you can’t help looking forwards I think.
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been ill. That really sucks. I hope that you are on the mend. I agree with you about the abyss authors tend to fall into once they are published, or even, if they focus too much on the publishing aspect. That’s a tough one to juggle, because of course most of us write with the hope that our stories connect with an audience.
While I love to write for myself, I can’t deny that I want my own fanbase of loyal, satisfied readers. When that doesn’t happen, of course it affects our confidence and drive. I think the writers who are most true to themselves, who sincerely love the act, the process, can find a way past those disappointments. It’s a tough road, which to me means it’s worthwhile. Just keep writing and building your writer reputation. Wishing you all the best for 2017!
I think you’re right. We have to keep coming back to our love of writing and try to shut everything else out. So not easy to do though! Yes we just have to keep on trying and growing. Thank you so much and wishing you all the success for 2017 too! We can do it 🙂
Keep telling stories, Victoria! The world needs your beautiful words!
Thank you lovely! Your support has meant a lot to me this year. Miss you!!