2011 was pretty much a major awful year for me. I believe my words as I rang in 2012 were something along the lines of "Good fucking riddance," after losing my younger brother and my father having a heart attack (and recovering, thankfully).

2012 has been a better year. We had a successful launch of VancouFur in March and the conbook work I did on it went over very well. I was pleased with the feedback, and I'm working on the book again for this year's con. (info at vancoufur.ca - register, it's fun!) Work has been successful and busy, though at times too busy. I'd like it to be slower sometimes and faster at others, but it's not so bad. Creatively, I've had a rougher time... "Dates," my submission for Sofawolf's Heat #10 got rejected for being 'too predictable,' to which I say 'feh,' in disagreement. Oh well. It may prove to be the centrepiece of a larger project, but I'm not sure yet, I have to discuss that with some other writers. I haven't really produced a lot of work this year, and I wish I could do more but my mental state has been challenged by various things. I can't say the year didn't have its moments, and I go out of it looking back with some levels of confusion (my base state), thoughtfulness and wistful sadness. And the unpleasant habit of breaking into tears if the wrong song comes on the radio at weak moments. But I also come out of it with some new very good friends and the hope that perhaps if things have gone in certain directions once they may do so again in the very near future.

Creatively, I have a few projects on the go that readers may be interested in. Notably, I've got two Team Players stories on the slate. One is half-finished; it's actually what I'm referring to as a 'sideline' story in that theme and is titled 'Three' - it features Kelsey's mother Anna exploring the dating scene. (It's stalled because my brain isn't interested in writing The other will feature Kelsey and Lucas and explore a little more about their peculiar situation while having some fun as well. I also have an idea in mind that I'm going to be discussing with other authors, with an eye for a possible anthology of sorts. Beyond that, I'm working on a novel/novella in a noir style featuring a setting I've used before - Las Vegas - and a theme of animal senses in a mystery/detective story. It has a lot of potential, and I'm excited to get it moving more when I have the chance.

Anyhow, just a general end-of-year ramble. I hope everyone has had a good 2012 and that your 2013 is even better.