Tuesday, March 3, 2009

One Year: A Contemplative, Restrospective Extravaganza

Yes folks, one year ago this day (er . . . not really, but close enough. Go with me on this.) Renee Collins, a very eager, very green aspiring writer decided that she had better start her blog soon, for when the fans came pouring in, she would need a website to address them all.

*laughs, wipes a tear* I kid (kinda.)In truth, I started this blog in the hopes of networking with other writers, and hopefully making some friends. I have been lucky enough to do both. So, right off the bat, I want to thank all of you. Thanks!! I have loved getting to know you all.

At any rate, call it cliche, but reaching an anniversary always makes me reflect on the year that passed. So, I've decided to give you a brief photo essay to highlight some of the my writing journey thus far.

ONE YEAR

When I started writing my first book, I felt as if I were beginning a huge journey. The goal was clear to me, but the path was a whole different story. Honestly, part of me wondered if I actually had the stamina to write a whole novel.



Well, I did! The result was my lovely first novel. I refer to it as Tristan, but it never really had a title. Celebrating my completion of Tristan were some of the first posts on this blog. Poor Tristan was fun, but flawed. You can see where he has ended up now, but I maintain to this day that I love that book because it showed me that I CAN actually finish a novel.



About this point, I met my two writer BFFs, Kiersten and Natalie. We call ourselves the MoMo Writers. And we rock. Here we all are! And yes, I had blonde hair once. :)



Shortly after gently laying Tristan to rest, I started work on my second novel, Miss Midas. It's a fun YA love story that has a bit of a magical twist. I have to say, I love this book. Like Tristan, it has taught me SO much. This is the book that showed me that I can not only finish, but actually put my work out there in the big, scary world of agents and editors.



Well, querying is hard. Really hard. Sometimes the trenches were a bit too much to handle, but I have all of you to thank for getting me out of my blue period.



Because I have something SO much more exciting to put my energy into now! My WiP! PAMR! (better title coming soon) Honestly, what could lift the spirits more than a story of betrayal, violence, darkness, and death, in a world ravaged by massive war?! I say, nothing!!! (P.S. I know I sound sarcastic, but this book truly brings me joy.)



So, I journey on. Through ups and downs, I'll keep blogging and I hope you all keep reading. I'm glad to have so many friends going through it all with me. :) Some days, we may feel a bit like this. (I sure as heck know I do) But, hopefully, one day soon we will all be seeing this.


That's my parting wish. :)

17 comments:

Kasie West said...

LOL. Well, I was amused. And more than remotely. I laughed. I'm loving your photoshop genius. I mean, I could hardly tell that your head was pasted on that turtle. At first I was like, oh my gosh, Renee is part turtle, who knew? No, but seriously, so funny and happy blogoversary!

Jenni James said...

OMGosh! It's like Charlie's Angels! Can I just say you three are super gorgeous! I love it! And for the first time ever--not that i've been contemplating it very hard--I think I figured out what MOMO stands for. So I have to ask.. does it have anything to do with another blog you use your writing genius for? If not... it's so funny, because um, it could! LOL! And I love love love this post! It's awesome! very funny and had me laughing too! Jenni

JaneyV said...

Oh Renee you crack me up! This was hilarious. I particularly adore your beard in the hospital pic. Thanks for taking us on your journey and Happy Bloggiversary! xxx

Sara Raasch said...

Oh wow, great stuff! Happy blogiversary! Here's to a fabulous new year :)

Joanne said...

Happy Anniversary Renee! Best wishes for this next year ... Write on!

Marty said...

Happy Blogoversary - I love the name "Miss Midas" for your book!

Miriam Forster said...

Happy Blogiversary! I love that you continue to write new stuff. I've learned more by writing my last two books then I ever did re-writing my first one. (For seven years. You learned that lesson WAY faster then I did.)

Congratulations!

Diana said...

Oh Ren,
Where would my day be without checking in on your blog? Your wit, humility, and as mentioned earlier genius photoshop skills! Thanks Ren!!!
ps I can't believe you are moving in less than a week!!!

Anonymous said...

That was an excellent blogaversary review, and so funny! Let me quote my favorite part:

*laughs, wipes a tear* I kid (kinda.)In truth,

Ha!

Hope you had a fun weekend. The post was worth the wait!

Kiersten White said...

Yes, I remember when you grew that horrible beard, and Natalie and I had to nurse you back to health and convince you to shave it! Those were dark times indeed.

However, I'm glad your beautiful face is once again hair-free and you're back to what you do best--photoshopping.

I mean, writing. OF COURSE I mean writing.

And I'm so grateful for the wide, wacky blogosphere that allowed me to meet you ; )

Michelle D. Argyle said...

You're doing great! What an awesome recap with fun pictures. MoMo writers, hehe. I LOVE it!

Renee Collins said...

Kasie-Funny thing, I actually AM part turtle. It's a little known fact.

Seriously though, glad you were amused with the post. :)

Jenni-lol, it's funny because we MoMo's had a good chuckle when that certain blog started. I guess the name is kind of a no brainer, and it was bound to garner a few repeats. :)

Janey-Yes, that picture is my personal favorite part of the post. However, one thing about it bothers me. I believe it is taken in a Civil War hospital, and to my best knowledge, trench warfare didn't start until World War One. Troubling, but the picture was too great to pass up. :)

Sara and Joanne-Thanks guys!

Marty-Aw, thanks. I like that title too. It's one of the only times where a title came to me before I had even started the story.

Miriam-Well, it did take me a while to realize that I needed to set the book aside. It's hard to let that first one go. It's special for so many reasons. But, hurray for listening to that nagging little voice!

Diana-You are too kind. :) And, seriously, I am in a state of disbelief that I am moving YET AGAIN. Ah well. :)

Candice-:) Thanks. You're nice!

Kiersten-Dark, dark times. I've braided that beard, and I keep it tacked onto my computer as a constant reminder.

P.S. I'm grateful for the blogosphere too. :)

Glam-Thanks! And, yes *snicker* it takes one to know one. :)

Natalie Whipple said...

Oh man, that was great. Can we get a new picture soon though? I've lost quite a bit of post baby weight since then, and I've gained several inches of hair.

The beard...can't believe you kept it.

Terri Tiffany said...

I absolutely loved your pictures and the time you must have put in to do them!
Your path is much like mine but hey, at least we are doing something! Maybe by this time next yaer, you will add a picture of you accepting a cotract!!!

Jill Wheeler said...

Hee hee! Awesome entry! And what a cute pic of the MoMos!

Becca said...

Oh Ren...all in good time....the fans will scream...Hollywood will call....and you my dear sis - will finally be fully recognized as the brilliant writer you are!! And I say fully recognized because obviously you have plenty of fans 'round these parts :)

ps...really do call me anytime to chat etc before you go :)

Renee Collins said...

Natalie-I agree! It's totally time to get a new MoMo pic. We just need to drag Kiersten out of the California sunshine.

Terri-Hey, I would definitely love to add that picture one of these days. :)You know, a lot has happened in this last year. Who knows what the next will bring? For all of us!

Jill-Thanks. :)

Becca-Ah, yes, I can hear them now.

p.s. you are too kind. :)