Another year, another bunch of amazing highlights :)
But seriously, I love taking the last day of each year to look back at what the prior 365 days have brought--so many great challenges, so many wonderful blessings, and so many fabulous memories! And 2016 was no different!
On a personal front, my husband and I got our first doggie!! She's the most adorable little nugget and has made my long days at home alone full of so much love and laughter (and yes...sometimes frustration, but she's worth it!). My productivity took a bit of a hit in the spring because of our little Sadie diva doggie, but I'm back on track now :)
On a professional front, SO MUCH HAPPENED!! I crossed one of my BIGGEST author dreams ever off the list, published a few more books, brought back an old favorite, and remembered yet again that I have the BEST FANS EVER!!
I'm so so blessed to be living my dream and at the end of every year I'm just amazed that this is truly my reality, and I can't thank you all enough for making it all possible!
So without further ado...
My Top Five Author Moments of 2016!
1) First ever author signing!!
I've been dreaming of participating in an author signing probably for my entire life, but definitely ever since Ignite went on sale back in 2011, and five years later, it finally happened! I already have another event on the schedule for 2017, so hopefully these live events will just keep on coming because they are so much fun!
2) Realized I've officially sold more than a quarter of a million copies of my books!
Again, I return to the fact that I have THE BEST FANS EVER!! You guys made this happen and I'm so incredibly grateful for all of the support and love I've received over the years! When I'm struggling with a story, you guys help me pull through, and when I'm celebrating, you bring the party! Without you, none of this would be real.
3) Published two more books--Withering Rose and Confessions of an Undercover Girlfriend!!
Need I say more?? Skye and Ollie's story came to a close (with a bang, if I do say so myself) and the crazy world of Once Upon A Curse continued with a retelling of my favorite fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast!
4) Celebrated the FIVE YEAR anniversary of Ignite!
So...I feel old. But my baby turned FIVE! Ignite was my first book, and it will always hold a very special place in my heart! Celebrating this anniversary made me a little nostalgic for my original love triangle, which is why I brought Kira, Luke and Tristan back with Burn, a brand new Midnight Fire story :) And to top it all off, The Complete Midnight Fire Series box set hit the top 150 in the entire Amazon store and the top ten in Barnes & Noble and Kobo!
5) New illustrated covers for A Dance of Dragons!
This was my first time working with an artist and it was a wonderful experience! I can't even describe how cool it was to see my character visually come to life! Also, The Shadow Soul was selected as an SPFBO finalist (so exciting!!) so we'll see where that goes in 2017!
So there you have it, my 2016 highlights! See what I mean?? Another fabulous year :)
And, of course, no author round up would be complete without...
My Top Five Reads of 2016!
So many books, so little time...
1) The Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo
Two words...SO GOOD!!! Read the books if you haven't, I was utterly engrossed! Hands down my favorite discovery and read of 2016!
2) Even if the Sky Falls by Mia Garcia
My friend published her debut novel this year and it was fantastic! A whirlwind contemporary romance set during midsummer Mardi Gras in New Orleans--pure magic!
3) The Girls Series by Rachel Hollis
I fell in love with the girls in this series :) Each of the three books takes on a different romance, but the stories of these unlikely best friends are interwoven so you get lots of appearances from all the adorable, quirky girls and their swoony boys!
4) The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon
I was completely absorbed by this fantasy romance telling the story of a magical mute woman and her surly prince charming. Literally one I could not put down!
5) The Romanovs: 1613-1918 by Simon Sebag Montefiore
Probably not what you expected! I'll be honest, I'm not usually a huge non-fiction fan (I often find history a little dry, especially when I'm used to living in magical fantasy realms). BUT I went on a family vacation to St. Petersburg this year and wanted to read about Russia, so imagine my surprise when I fell in LOVE with this book! The story is almost so unbelievable you think it is fiction, and the author does an amazing job bringing this over-the-top dynasty to life!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!
Have the best time celebrating :) See you in 2017!
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