Sid asked me if I wanted a monthly spot on his blog for 2014 and I jumped at the chance, honored to be considered. I am going to work hard to not let him down.

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Because the New Year is a time of reflection and counting your blessings, my first blog post will be short and sweet about my wonderful support system.

Family: I am so very fortunate to have a wonderful one. And it’s hard sometimes to balance family time with writing time and not feel like you’re failing one or the other. So sometimes I take a two hour break and play Monopoly instead of finishing a chapter because I’ve found that it’s the small things and not the big ones that my kids remember. Also, sitting with my husband to watch a show on TV we both like may not seem important, but just the communion sometimes is nice.

Friends: I was talking to my sister about this the other day and it hit me that I have no friends that live in the same town that I do. I can drive to see a couple, but really, for the most part, I would have to get on a plane. But thankfully, blessedly, between texting and chatting and email, I communicate with everyone on a daily basis. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to reach out and offer support or get it when needed. I’m so lucky. We all fall into funks sometimes and it’s great to be able to talk out an issue or a plot bunny or just ask, should I, and get the “yeah, go for it’, in return. Everyone needs a gentle, or not so, push now and then.

Fans: Emailing, chatting in person at cons, and being asked what’s going to happen next, those are my most treasured interactions. I love to get notes that say, I loved this or I hated that or what the hell’s going on with them? It means so much to answer questions. I would be lost without the support of my wonderful fans.

Community: I am blessed to write in such a wonderful genre where everyone is supportive of one another, rallies to help when needed, and promotes tolerance and understanding. It doesn’t get any better.

So taken all together, I’m very blessed. I was really looking forward to 2014 and now that it’s here, I’m hoping for great things. My plan is to blog more this year, so I’m already getting off to a good start.