This is the obligatory end-of-the-year writing post, wherein the author explains what they have accomplished this past year. I don’t like writing these kinds of posts, because I think I haven’t accomplished enough. I didn’t make a big enough impact than I would have liked, but there were some significant milestones, and I have written more than I have in past years, so there’s that.
Before I flay myself for falling short, in hindsight, it was a pretty decent year writing-wise. I had short stories rejected, published, and re-written. I didn’t have any short story acceptances this year, which sucks, but I was focused on writing novels instead of short stories. In 2023 I worked on four novels and two novellas. My writerly/publishing goals realized in 2023:
- “Muskrat, Hunter” published in Conspiracies and Cryptids anthology.
- “The Black Cloak” published in Rituals & Grimoires anthology.
- “Oh Hell Yes” published in Horn(y) anthology.
- Midnight At Bat Hollow novel published by Shadow Spark Publishing.
- Mr. Penny-Farthing novel published by Shadow Spark Publishing.
- Signed two publishing contracts: one for a novel, and the other for a novelette-length story. Both are slated for publication in mid-2024.
- My novel Accursed Son was a finalist in two contests: the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the 2023 American Fiction Awards, and a semifinalist in the 2023 Kindle Book Awards.
- Accursed Son received a five-star review from Readers’ Favorite.
- Accursed Son was nominated in the 2023 Indie Ink Awards.
- Had my first reading event at Philcon.
- Autographed copies of my books.
- Had positive reviews for my books and short stories.
- Attended virtual writing workshops and master classes.
- Participated in multiple writing and publishing panels at Philcon .
- Interviewed on podcasts about my writing.
- Promoted my work online and with eBook sales.
- Attended a book festival and met several authors.
- Continued teaching English composition at a community college.
Three years ago I never would have imagined that I’d be releasing two books in one year, nor have multiple short stories published. While this is a far cry from where I’d like to be (bestselling author, award-winning writer, Grand Poobah of Esteemed Literary Salons) it’s a start. Every year I’m working harder, pushing my creativity to new places, and challenging myself. There’s frustration and angst along the journey as well. Some days I get discouraged by the lack of reader feedback and sluggish sales. I think I’m too old for this, too out-of-touch, too irrelevant as a writer in an industry where youth dominates. But then I think of something bizarre and weird and begin writing again.
It has a way of taking over, this symphony of words, so harmonious and sublime. The stories we weave year after year mark more than time’s passing; they represent an evolution to the writers we want to be. I’m getting there, one word at a time. Thanks for coming along for the ride. Happy New Year. May 2024 bring more opportunities for success and ass-kickery.
Behold my published works for 2023! Mostly horror, but with one naughty erotica story thrown in for good measure. This year I had published stories about the Fresno Nightcrawler, witches, vampires, sexy demons, and a bicylce-riding villain. All of these books are on sale, so check ’em out!
Eric Avedissian 