Usually, at this time of year, I look back at the year that was and think about all the things I could have done differently; namely, getting published. This year, however, I look back at 2019 a bit differently. 2019 was a year I decided to step out of my comfort zone and finally swallow some of those insecurities.
This is what I did: –
- I had my short stories professionally edited. My editor loved my stories, saying she would be happy to work with me again and wants to know if I’m writing any novels. 😊
- Re-joined the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
- Prepared short stories for publication, including contacting professional cover designers, and setting up an account with Amazon.
- Attended a local readers and writer’s festival.
- Entered a short story competition with the Romance Writers of Australia. Although I didn’t win, I did get some great feedback.
- Enrolled in five – yes, five! – online writing courses.
- I became an indie author, by publishing a short story and a collection of short stories.
Yes, that last one makes me look back at the year and I feel happy knowing that I finally did it!
Pressing that ‘publish’ button for the first time was more difficult that pressing it for the second time, but I’m feeling greatly relieved at having accomplished that. Now, however, is the ongoing battle of ‘discoverability’ and marketing, but that’s a whole lot of new insecurities and a completely different post right there! 😉
I’ve already made plans and begun working on, my upcoming projects for the new year, so there’s plenty to write and re-write!

Of-course, I wouldn’t have got this far without the continual love and support from my husband and the online writing community. I can’t thank you all enough!
I’ll be taking a break from blogging over the next few weeks and return on 8 January 2020, posting for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
I wish you all a Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. Stay safe!
Did you step out of your comfort zone in 2019? Is there anything you would have done differently this year? Do you have any big plans for 2020?
Main image courtesy Pixabay