SAYING GOODBYE TO 2014

I can’t believe the year has flown by so quickly. 2014 has brought its ups and downs for me as I am sure it has for many of you. As I look back at 2014, I find I have so much to be thankful for, so many amazing friends, so many awesome places traveled and of course, the joys of my life, my kids.

We can all agree that I had a lot going on, whether it was on the home-front or my many travels. One person this year happened to be thankfully attached to my hip. Janet Rodman has been invaluable to me this past year and I want to thank her for being my Ethel to her Lucy. Retirement has nothing on her as she is now living the life as Ms. World Traveler. I expect so much more fun to come as we definitely now have a groove on!

Liberty States Fiction Writers conference started off the whirlwind with Sherrilyn Kenyon as keynote speaker. I had the honor or moderating her panel, which was just perfection as well as emotional. Dani joined me for this event, as he is a fan of Kenyon. I wanted to cry when he went right up to her after the panel. He put his hands on her shoulders and told her she was his favorite author, said he LOVES Styxx, and asked when Urian was getting his book. Even though she was in obvious pain, she came to the BOC party and spent time with Dani and the rest of the BOC. A highlight of the year…

One of the most memorable times I had in 2014 was the RT2014 trip to New Orleans. Always somewhere I wanted to go, I took advantage and extended my work trip into a vacation and Janet and I, as well as several awesome friends, like Sandy Dillon, Pat Sheppard and Vicky Capper painted the town red. I met some pretty fabulous authors and readers on this trip and I got to spend some really precious time with my, Lara Adrian… yes… I call her MINE…

Pretty much as soon as we returned from NOLA, Janet and I road tripped to Ohio for Lori Foster’s RAGT in early June. Dani tagged along and he turned out to be the center of some pretty interesting goings on.  I love going to this event, as I get to really get to unwind with some pretty awesome people. As usual, the group photo of the BOC was a very special moment, and even better was the yearly room party with Michelle Boone and Hildie McQueen being the insane source of entertainment… Shall I say Dinosaurs? I got to spend some quality time with my Patricia Rasey…. Yes… Patricia is MINE as well…

No sooner did we return from that trip, than the 4^th Annual Book Obsessed Chicks Beach BBQ Bash took place on Lido Beach. It was a perfect day with over 120 people in attendance. I always feel like that day flies by and I never get to actually breathe and take it all in. There never seems to be enough time to hug each and every Book Obsessed Chick that graces me with their presence, but I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for joining in for the event. It truly is a very special event for me…

Next up was RWA National in San Antonio. My very first time in San Antonio and I loved every minute of it. The events, my special dinner with my uber awesome Harlequin lovelies, Marin Thomas, BJ Daniels, Barb Han, Geri Krotow, Barbara Daille White and Angi Morgan. I ADORE these ladies. I got to hang out with Miz Carolyn Brown and Mr. B. hug Katie Lane, breakfast with Jaci Burton and Shannon Stacey, get taken to lunch by Allison Brennan and have the bestest roomies ever, Margie Hager and Janet Rodman. So much fun was had and even a few odd moments, like when Shayla Black asked me my bra size and Janet ran off so she wouldn’t be asked next, and Lexie Blake’s retort, which had Janet and me in stitches. Our trip to Cowboy Dancehall was a thrilling excursion and my first venture into the PBR. I got to meet the lovely, Gaby Holden, in person and take numerous pics with some pretty handsome cowboys.

2014 was a milestone year with Jason graduating High School and being picked for the Garden City Fire Dept. as a volunteer. His induction will happen Jan. 5… Daniel went into the 8^th grade and Gabi went back to college… I am a proud Mom… My cousin, Chanel, has supported me steadfastly and I love her for the honest and loving woman she has become and well as the most awesome Mom to LIL Diva Aliya.

None of this could have been possible without the wonderful job I now have with www.MyAuthorBiz.com and www.MyBookCRAVE.com, which are my boss, John Haack’s babies. Who can say that they truly love their job? I can. I am so proud to be a part of the marketing team along with my co-workers, Patricia Rouse and Patricia Rasey. I cannot wait for 2015 to see just how far we can go with these companies. Once again, I thank Lara Adrian and John for taking a chance on me. I am truly happy.

I am dedicating my year to a very special lady who puts up with me on a daily basis, whether it’s by text, email or Skype. Patricia Rasey, you are one awesome chick and I love you. You have the patience of a saint and the guts of a bulldog and you make me strive to work to the best of my abilities. You are the best friend a girl can have, a shoulder to lean on and I am a better person for knowing you. Even with all the adversity you have had this past year, you still shine. You are an excellent teacher, a great ear, a fabulous author and a fun person to hang with. I wish we weren’t so far away from one another because I’d be at your doorstep every day, much to Mark’s chagrin. I can only hope that your 2015 is a better one than 2014, for you have had your ups and downs as well.  Thank you for giving the world the Sons of Sangue and thank you for allowing me to help with your cover for Gypsy… I do expect Blondy’s book this year and want all to know. HE IS MINE!

I know I have left so many people’s names out and a few happenings as well, but I don’t want to put you all to sleep. Thank you all for supporting all of my endeavors and for being a never-ending source of joy for me. May you all have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year and I hope to get to hug you all in 2015. 

~KIMBERLY~