Bye Bye 2011

[piplover]

Well, it's the last day of 2011.  I think, overall, this year was actually pretty good to me.  I mean, its had its bad moments.  I still hate my job, which hasn't helped my depression. And I still have health issues, which also don't help. 

But overall?  I think the good's outweighed the bad. 

I found a church I like in September. It's the first time I've felt comfortable with a church in almost 15 years.   It's welcoming, and although its Christian based, it's not a Christian church.  The leader is a psychic, and one of the sweetest people I've ever met.  And the people there are all amazing. The moment I step through the door I feel at home. That's what  church should be, in my opinion. 

I've been to England, and met some amazing friends face to face. I've become closer to my sister than I think we've ever been. 

I've made some new friends this year, and lost an old one.

Writing - wise, this year has sucked.  I think I've written one or two things, both really short.  Although I have started on the sequel to Soldier's Heart. I'm hoping it will be ready in time for next Christmas, lol.

I've found some new fandoms, and read some amazing fanfics.  I've found it's harder and harder to find good published books, because the writing doesn't seem to be as good as quality as the fanfic.  Which is sad, and says something about the publishing industry, I think.

I've made changes to my flat, which have helped with the almost overwhelming urge to MOVE OUT.  I still want a washer/dryer of my own, but I'm more accepting of my situation now.

And, to sum up, I've tried to make changes to my mindset.  I've tried to stop being so negative, though I don't think I've succeeded. I'm looking into changing my life, the direction I'm going, and even though I know it's a slow process, I'm hoping that I've at least started. 

So, all in all, 2011 wasn't a horrible year.  It wasn't a great year, but sometimes, I think that good is good enough. 

I hope you all have a wonderful last day of 2011, and that 2012 brings you all love, peace and happiness.

Comments

[charleygirl.livejournal.com]

I've found it's harder and harder to find good published books, because the writing doesn't seem to be as good as quality as the fanfic. Which is sad, and says something about the publishing industry, I think.

I couldn't agree more. There are hardly any current writers I enjoy reading these days, for precisely that reason.

[piplover.livejournal.com]

Exactly! I have a few writers that I stick to, because I know their quality of work is great and I trust them to have a good book. Funnily enough, about half of them started as, or still write, fanfic.

[pennin-ink.livejournal.com]

I'd suggest Pratchett, always an old standby, but it's a bit depressing because, well, Altzheimer's. His writing is altering and not all of it is for the better and it's a bit difficult to read with that knowledge in the back of your head. Also, every new DW book reads like a good-bye. Like that last episode of the long-running, beloved sitcom where the most popular character takes a moment to look over the empty living room set and silently clicks off the lightswitch, bathing the familiar walls and furnishings in darkness, before turning away and fading to black.

...and my, that was maudlin, wasn't it?

As odd as it sounds, though, look to the YA and J markets. I know, I know, but a lot of narrative innovation is going on there, if you slog through the toilet jokes and "supernatural romances". But, as always, 90% of everything is crap.

John Green. His new book, The Fault in Our Stars, is coming out on 10 January. Every copy of the first printing is signed, so if you get it within the first week, odds are John'll have signed it. You thinking in terms of fic? He's MadLori.

If you want a female perspective on things, Maureen Johnson is John Green with a second X chromosome and significantly more playful cynisism (I know it sounds like an oxymoron, but she does it.)

For the LGBT stories you want, nay, need: David Levithan.

For the stories pushing boundaries you didn't know needed to be pushed: Scott Westerfeld.

For more feminism and high fantasy than you can shake a stick at: Tamora Pierce.

In the grown-up world, trot over to the (aggrivatingly meshed together) Sci-Fi/Fantasy section and pick up some Jim Butcher. Codex Alera for the Tolkein Fans, The Dresden Files for the Whedonites.

That should help. ^.^

OH! And if you want a sleeper hit that'll sneak up and grab you by the short hairs until you're breathless and you can't hear past the heart pounding in your ears, if you want to be enraptured, enthralled, horrified, amused, and above all astonished, pick up Lish McBride's debut novel, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer.

Imagine if Twilight lived up to every drop of its potential. Imagine if there were a supernatural teen story with well-rounded, likeable, realistic characters you desperately wished were your friends. Imagine, for just a moment, that the bad guys were genuinely terrifying, the fights were legitimately nerve-racking, the jokes were truly hilarious, and the stakes were actually worth fighting for. That, my beloved, is Hold Me Closer, Necromancer. It will chew you up, spit you out, haunt your dreams, chill your blood, hurt you, delight you, and transcend you, and you will beg for more.

Christ fuck, I know I did.

See? Literature isn't dead, you just need to know where to look. ^.^

[shirebound]

Happy New Year, my friend.

[piplover.livejournal.com]

*Hugs*

Happy New Year!