What Am I Doing In Mexico?: A Year Later

Sunday, October 26, 2008

A Year Later

It's my first blogging anniversary AND my brother's birthday. Happy birthday Brian. :)

Looking back over this past year, I suppose the best thing is I'm still writing. When I first decided to write my memoir last summer I had no idea if I'd finish the manuscript, let alone keep writing and finish another story. My novel isn't as long as I'd like but it IS a complete story. And now I'm getting ready to start my NEXT novel.

Personally I don't think I've changed at all in the past year. Our lives are sadly stagnant and we're still waiting for news from the DHS. We recently found out it might be another couple months longer than we thought, and we may not get an answer until next spring. I think writing has helped me through the past year and I'm thankful that it's found its way back into my life.

How about you? Where are you compared to this time last year? Do you feel like you're spinning your wheels or have you grown, either in your writing or personal lives?

18 comments:

WendyCinNYC said...: A year ago I had just started my novel, so I feel that I've made progress in that department. In turn, I'm finally doing something for myself that makes me feel more productive and happy.; October 26, 2008 at 9:12 AM
Jen said...: Happy Blogiversary, Mel!

As for me, I've been spinning my wheels a bit this year, but I've also been more productive than I've ever been. One completed novella, four completed short stories, six completed flashes, four more shorts in the works and more flash pieces, and six partial novels. I've also finally submitted pieces and been rejected, which is a yay/boo! situation. :D

So far, so good, anyway.; October 26, 2008 at 9:31 AM
Spy Scribbler said...: Happy birthday to your brother, and happy blogiversary to you! You're a better writer, that's for sure!

Hmmm, definitely a feeling of spinning my wheels in the sand. Financially, we're getting better. Writing-wise, I'm not certain I'm going anywhere. My foot's not yet going anywhere. Ah well.; October 26, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Melanie Hooyenga said...: Wendy, that's a great accomplishment for the past year!; October 26, 2008 at 4:19 PM
Melanie Hooyenga said...: Jen, it doesn't sound to me like you're spinning your wheels. You sound like you've been very productive this year, much more than me. And I'm still waiting to start my yay/boo process. :) (I like that!); October 26, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Melanie Hooyenga said...: Thanks Spy. Your foot will heal soon, I'm sending good thought for you.; October 26, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Robin said...: I'm older, fatter, and more demented.
That being said, "Happy Blogiversary and brother's birthday!" I hope you're having fun with your friend!; October 26, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Anonymous said...: Yay for one year of Blogging! I can't wait for the day when you post your "Im going home!" blog. Then you'll have to change your blog title! Please wish your bro a very happy birthday.; October 26, 2008 at 5:21 PM
Robin said...: I forgot to say that if you need a letter from a fat, demented, old child psychiatrist, for DHS I happily donate my services. I know I'm an idiot. You know I'm an idiot. But they don't know I'm an idiot, (unless I've seen one of their kids).; October 26, 2008 at 6:48 PM
Janna Leadbetter said...: It's been a good year for me, with my writing and at home. Progress has come all around with my novel(s) and our remodel, and I've been able to watch my precious girls grown all-the-while. Great year!

Happy Blobiversary, like Jen said!; October 26, 2008 at 7:52 PM
Rachel Burton said...: Happy birthday to the blog! I hope I'm still at it in a year. I did finish and being querying a book this past year. It's be great if I could say I was agented within a year too, but I'll take what I can get!; October 26, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Zoe Winters said...: Happy blogging anniversary!

I think I've come a long way since this time last year. For one thing, I decided to follow my gut and do what *I* want with my writing, as opposed to what is socially acceptable for me to do with it.

I'm still trying to navigate the mine fields around that though. Still trying to figure out how I make it clear I'm not "against" the socially acceptable way, it's just not what *I* want.

But that's big growth for me, because it's important for each person to walk their own path.; October 27, 2008 at 9:06 AM
Jewel Allen said...: Congrats, Melanie!

I think I've grown a lot since a year ago, in writing and my personal life. I can say I'm happier nowadays than before, so I'm in a good place. :-)

That's great about your achieving your writing goals. I'd have to say, anyone who moves to Mexico is sure to have had an eventful last year!!; October 27, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Nadine said...: Yay for being a year!!

Let's see, this time last year, I was trying to query my book, which unfortunately never got picked up and now I have just finished my next book and am about to start querying that one.

My fingers are crossed for you and good news from the DHS!; October 27, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Melanie Hooyenga said...: Robin, I actually might take you up on that,

Turkey, you and me both!

Janna, it's one year for you too!

Rachel, that's a huge accomplishment! I'm still crossing my fingers for you (and everyone else querying).

Zoe, figuring that out is the first step. You have so much motivation that I believe if anyone can do it, it's you.

Pink, that's awesome. And you're right about the moving bit. :)

Thanks Nadine, good luck to you too!; October 27, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Robin said...: Melanie, seriously, I'm happy to. Just e mail and tell me what to do. Close your eyes, stalkers and psychokillers. My e mail is drshoechick@aol.com.; October 27, 2008 at 1:42 PM
Anonymous said...: "We recently found out it might be another couple months longer than we thought..."

I'm sorry to hear that.

As far as growing, I think I've grown more jaded. But I don't know if it's because of the election and the mind numbing idiots who base their...

See? I'm getting more jaded by the minute.; October 27, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Melanie Hooyenga said...: AC, yeah, I'm definitely more jaded...; October 28, 2008 at 7:49 AM