Achieving my ambition of being a published novelist has taken 10 years of writing featuring more downs than ups. And many times I questioned my sanity for chasing this dream.
But there’s no point in wasting energy dwelling on the negatives, the main thing is that 2015 was finally the year when Talk of the Toun (TOTT) made the leap from my laptop to readers’ book shelves!
There were many ‘pinch myself’ moments but I’ve narrowed them down to my top 10 (in no particular order)…
- Being surrounded by family and friends sharing my excitement at the launch events
- Having TOTT featured in national and local newspapers
- Seeing my book on the shelf and window of my local branch of Waterstones
- Hearing that there was a waiting list to borrow my book at Falkirk library
- Being invited as a local author to take part in library events for Book Week Scotland
- Getting 5 star reviews from readers
- Answering Q&As and writing guest posts for the blog tour
- Being selected as one of Naomi Frisby’s ‘books of the year‘
- Having acclaimed writer Jenni Fagan asking to buy a signed copy
- Sharing a stage with one of my literary idols – Janice Galloway
Talk of the Toun’s launch wasn’t national news but it was a BIG deal to me!
I’m sure the buzz will settle down in 2016 but I’ve already got two events in the diary – one east and one west (more details here) to keep the momentum going and I’d love to see my diary with more opportunities to take Bimbo the poodle out and about and meet readers. I’ve also got some exciting ideas to revisit my previous novel, Buy Buy Baby, so it’s a case of watch this space for developments and see if next year shapes up to be as amazing as 2015…
What were your 2015 highlights? Do you have any new projects planned for 2016?
Helen MacKinven 
What a terrific year! Congratulations, I hope you continue to go from success to success!
Thanks. And you too Margot! More awards to adorn your mantle piece. x
I’m so pleased that it’s been such a brilliant year from you, Helen. How wonderful to have acheived your dream!
Thanks Susan – it’s been a long road but I got there in the end.
Happy New Year, Helen. All the best with your new writing and for the continued success of TOTT. I popped into the 26 Winters exhibition while I was down in Edinburgh over Christmas and saw your contribution ‘in the flesh’. The husband enjoyed your sledge reminiscences as much as I had and laughed out loud. All the best 🙂
All the best to you and yours too Anne and many thanks for all your support this year. Glad my wee sledge piece raised a smile. x
Happy New Year, Helen! And as ever, huge congratulations on the publication of TOTT. As you know, I love it! May 2016 gift you more dreams come true. xXx
Happy New Year to you too Carol! Thanks so much for all your support – means a lot to me. It’s your turn for a very special year now… roll on March-exciting times ahead for you! x
Just read this, Helen – a truly wonderful year, many congratulations and May that 2016 diary start to fill up with lots of exciting engagements!
Thanks Ruth – seems as if we both had a good year and here’s to the same again this year.