2011 has been an amazingly good year for me. Thought it may not have seemed like it at the time, when I look back on everything I accomplished this year, it’s almost hard to believe.

When 2011 rolled round, I was producing a podcast for an MMORPG. It was a hobby thing, but we had all the devs and community managers on as guests, and damn it was fun. From Jan-May we got approximately 15-27 thousand downloads per episode. Depending on who we had on our show, what questions got answered and which other sites referred to us.

Sadly I got very ill in April-June and couldn’t play the game anymore. If you can’t play the game you’re podcasting about, you really don’t have a right to well… podcast about it. Though I miss the fun of doing it, and knowing what was up and coming for the game, I don’t regret having to let it and the ten-twenty odd hours a week I spent on it, go.

You see – gaming is my biggest procrastination tool. I may have met my husband in an MMORPG, which makes me sentimental about them, but when I play – it’s all I do. I don’t watch tv, read or write. I sleep, work and play the game.

Not being able to play a 3d animation game due to vertigo, helped me figure out that I’m not a pantser when it comes to writing. In fact, because all I could do was type on a computer, the break this year in May gave me the time I needed to sit down and work out how I plot and plan my stories.

And then from June 3 to June 12, it took me nine glorious days to write the first book in my trilogy. Damn my wrists hurt after that.

Writing wise – This year, I took the first big steps to focusing on my writing. I stopped playing MMORPGs, wrote the first draft of a trilogy and made brief outlines for three completely separate books.

I also did my first full edit pass on the first book of the series and began my first paper edit pass on the second book.

In July, I also formed a firm critique group at the behest of one of my best friends who emailed a group of us. We now have five people who regularly meet and discuss/crit work.

Blogging regularly is something I’m still struggling with, but at least it’s a started project.

Online wise – I took part in Rach Writes Writer’s Platform Building Campaign, where I met some fantastic people. I also found a home on twitter and have got very used to using it – and love doing so. And towards the end of 2011 I made the #writemotivation hashtag, because, let’s face it, who doesn’t need a little motivation.

House wise – We replaced sixteen windows, got the lounge, dining and master bedroom re-carpeted, and the kitchen wooden floors replaced. Hello money pit house, though I do adore thee.

Travel wise – we visited Yellowstone Park and stayed in both Jackson Hole and Cody in Wyoming. Was a fantastic trip and I took lots of pictures and video. It was there I discovered Spicey Ginger ice-cream. Why do more places not have this?

Personally – I got my galbladder out. This was the first operation I’ve ever had. They say laproscopic surgery is supposed to heal really well. One of my scars didn’t – yay! I recently sprained my ankle too haha.

However, my best friend did get engaged and so when she gets married in eighteen months, I get to be the maid of honour!

Car – We just got a brand new Lexus ES350 !!!

Over all, 2011 has been an amazing year. From the house to the car, from the vacation to my friends, and from writing to twitter and the beginning of no procrastination. I do have goals for 2012, but I’ll wait until we’re in 2012 to post about those 😉

I can’t wait to see what 2012 brings. How was 2011 for you?

Have a safe and happy New Year!