I haven’t checked in for quite some time now and I feel like I’ve been missing old friends.

Since October life has been something of a whirlwind and I feel like I’m only now catching my breath. 

After visiting with you last, I released A Jane Austen Christmas in paperback and e-book, had an article published in In’D tale magazine, hosted a bridal shower for my daughter-in-law, saw my eldest son graduate magna cum laude with his engineering degree, and then get married the next day! I am blessed to welcome a lovely daughter into the family.Needless to say I’m thrilled by it all, but a bit winded at this point!  

As we usher out 2014, I’m looking back over what proved to be a much more eventful and exciting year than I had initially expected.

2014 started off with a bang as we launched Austen Variations with only a few weeks preparation. Abigail, Susan and I are still floored at the amazing response and support given us by the Jane Austen community. We are so grateful to everyone for it.

Theo Darcy made his home at Austen Variations and we finished his story there. Expect to see him in print early in 2015!

In February I got to speak at my local JASNA on ‘The Mistress of the Manor’ which was great fun. Wholly Unconnected to Me came on the scene shortly thereafter–expect to see that in print in 2015 as well. Remember the Past was published–the audiobook for it is almost finished! I’m in the midst of proof listening now. And we began Persuasion 200 at Austen variations!

The website got a face lift in August–a desperately needed one a that–and in December A Jane Austen Christmas was immortalized in soap. How can you top that?

It is difficult, I admit, but the icing on the cake has been the privilege of hosting 45 guest interviews with many of the fabulous authors, bloggers, reviewers and artists I have had the honor of meeting since I began my writing adventure.  I wish I could say that I’d met all my goals for 2014, but I didn’t. I had hoped to get at least one more book published and another rough drafted. But I am pleased and thrilled with everything that did happen.

Looking to 2015, I am even more excited and a bit overwhelmed. I have been working on my business and writing plans for the year and they are ambitious to say the least. First up is the audiobook for Remember the Past! The amazing Elizabeth Klett is narrating this one and I can’t get enough of her! Here’s a sneak peak to whet your appetite!

 Click to play the preview!

Theo Darcy will make his appearance in print soon thereafter, with a suitable about of celebration and a grand tour to boot! This project with Abigail Reynolds, Susan Mason Milks, Cassandra Grafton and Monica Fairview has been a memorable adventure.

Sometime after that I hope to have Wholly Unconnected to Me ready to release. I am also working on a book of short stories, quick bits perfect for those waiting-for-something moments.  I hope to finish Pert Opinions and Fine Eyes as well and resume posting Mrs. Drummond’s School for Girls.

On the non-fiction front, this year’s research topic looks like it is going to be ‘Beauty in Jane Austen’s era’. I am planning about a dozen article on the topic, and, with any luck, the next in the Regency Life series on the topic as well.

In the midst of the writing, I have some traveling planned. I dearly hope to make it to Jane Austen Regency Week in Alton and Chawton this year. The plans are still being made, but I am very hopeful.  I also plan to make it to the AGM in Louisville in October.  I hope to see many of you there!

Writing all this out is a little intimidating to me…definitely some big plans here.  Will I achieve all of it? Honestly I don’t know. But I am certain that if you aim at nothing you’ll be sure to hit it. Shooting for the stars gives on a good chance at hitting the moon, right? Whatever happens, I know I’ll be glad for your support along the way.

I would love to hear what you have planned for 2015. Please have your share of the conversation in the comments!