Happy New Year!

Welcome 2012!

I stepped away from this blog for awhile to set up a more professional website as I pursue publication of my novel, www.melissablanco.com. In doing so, I learned that I really missed posting over here. Thanks to those who've stuck around.

And here they are, my 2012 New Year's Resolutions...

Finish the baby books. My oldest is eleven now, my youngest turns five next month. I've attempted this venture many, many times before. I always thought I'd have time. I really did. When I left my full-time job, when all three kids started school, while my husband was deployed. The truth is, things just continue to get more hectic as the kids get older. If you are entering the most fabulous world of parenting, learn from me. There will never be time.
Therefore, my first resolution is to finish the baby scrapbooks.

Forgive and let go of the problems of the world which I have no control over. This is a tricky one for me as I was born with a little gene that trickles down through my family tree- the ability to carry a grudge. I stay awake at night fretting about the family members who are currently not speaking to one another, as if my worrying will actually heal the problems that lie between them. Likewise, I carry a certain amount of bitterness with me when hurt by others. Most recently, I reached out to a relative, only to have my efforts ignored. In 2012, I'm going to forgive. And maybe, if I'm lucky, others will follow.

Sign with a literary agent. I've finished the novel and revised/edited it multiple times. I've read books in my genre (women's fiction) and researched trends within publishing. I constantly remind myself that publishing is subjective. That said, it's still scary jumping in and sending out my work. I want to be noticed, I want my work to be appreciated, and more than anything, I'd like to see it on bookstore shelves.

That's it for now...Happy New Year. May 2012 be filled with happy moments for you all.