JEA Convention – January 5th through 11th, 2015

Yes, this is that season again, when annual updates and reflections are customary and replete with resolutions for the upcoming year. I suppose I am no exception to the rule, so I shall keep it brief.

On the balance, 2014 was a good year for me. I reached the all-important milestone of signing my first publishing contract, and am looking forward to seeing my novel and some short stories in print in the coming year. While it has not been as productive on the literary front, it saw me complete several short stories, get some good work done on “Graveyard Empire”, write and record a decent amount of music, and learn much personally and professionally.

It was not the easiest year. I found that going back to school was more difficult than expected with a family and a job that routinely exceeds 50 and sometimes 60 hours per week. Thankfully, it is a relatively short-term commitment compared to the degrees I earned in the past, but it cut heavily into the time available for other endeavors. It was, however, a lesson to treasure and better organize the time I do have, and to make the most of it.

There is much that can be said about both accomplishments and challenges of 2014, but the past is past. And the future shall bring many, many exciting things.

In the immediate term, I am excited to participate in the online convention hosted by J Ellington Ashton Press between January 5th and 11th at http://www.jellingtonashton.com. This should be a great event for both readers and writers alike, with many authors in attendance to talk about their works, life, universe, and everything in between. I hope to see many of you there!

Later in the year, my debut novel “Bring Out the Dead” should see the light of day through J Ellington Ashton Press, and my short story “The Great Bear” will be featured in the “Altered Europa” anthology from Martinus Publishing. The long-awaited (or, rather, the long-delayed) solo album will finally see the light of day, and the fourth Midgard record should be finished and released. And who knows… there might be a few more surprises down the line!

With this, I would like to wish all of you a happy New Year. May 2015 bring you health, success in your aspirations, and, for all you fellow creative types, productivity. I cannot wait to see what you create, and to share my own creations with you. Here is to 2015, and all the great things that it will bring!