According to my WordPress statistics, this is my 100th post! Hooray, happy one hundred!
I’ll admit, I’m pretty impressed with myself. Blogging and journaling really never struck me as something to do, but that was before I met so many awesome blogging buddies. No, really. It’s people like YOU who have convinced me to go ahead with this all the way back in May 2011. Wow, that also means I’m only three months away from a full year at this.
Thinking back over these hundred posts, I’ve shared with you my first publication acceptance, the death of my cat, Chichiri. Insights into writing and the industry surrounding it, as well as my own take on being an author. I’ve met amazing people and participated in their own blogs, sharing the ups and downs of their life-path. I’ve shown you my yarn crafts and new books from other writers. I’ve written a couple of guest blog posts for others, and followed links to fantastic new places around the internets. Truly, I wouldn’t take back my time blogging; I recognise all too clearly the amazing opportunities it’s presented and the people I’ve come into contact with who mean so much to me.
I know plenty of people blog solely for themselves; as some kind of expression or outlet. For me, this wouldn’t be the same without having people to share it with. I talk to myself enough over the course of writing books (they are character conversations! Honest!), so the part which makes this special is knowing that you’re here, you’re taking part in the journey.
Which is to say, of course, we’re moving forward! And what better blog to announce this than my 100th?
My debut novel, The Damning Moths will be published soon! Oh, yes. It’s happening. My giddiness is barely contained.
I’ve still got a ways to go with finalising the project, so I’m still on the journey. I don’t think you really get off this train unless you either quit writing or move onto the afterlife, so the statement is defeated by the sheer knowledge of work stretching ever onward. This book. Next book. The ones after. Nevertheless, you might recognise the title acronym, TDM, as something I’ve been working on (slaving over!) kind of obsessively. For this single project, there’s the glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel to lure me through the final stretch. I’m on the right track. We’re coming up to the next stop. Other such railroad-related metaphors!
Thank you for sharing everything to this point. Thanks for reading, and commenting, and lurking. More than anything, thank you for your friendship and support.
~A
The Fane 
EXCITEMENT IS EXCITING! Messaging you for all the juicy details!
Consider yourself properly informed! 😀
~A
Congratulations on the 100th post!! Woohoo! And the novel!? I must’ve missed a post or two! That’s way exciting news about TDM! It’s been great getting to know you, Ashlee!
Thank you, Julia! Hehe, no, you didn’t miss anything, I just haven’t been very public with my considerations! This is the first “official” announcement. 😀
~A
Congrats on 100 posts! And a book release! This is going to be an exciting year. 🙂
Thank you, Nina! I know, 2012 is set to be fantastic! 😀
~A
Gosh, Ashlee, you’re at 100 already! Woo hoo! That’s awesome.
Can’t wait to hear more about the book release. 🙂
Haha, I guess I post a lot. XD Thank you, Cynthia! More news is on its way! 😀
~A
=D Congrats on both fronts, Ashlee! I can’t wait to see where you go with it all.
Thank you, Annie! The future is looking great. 😀
~A
Gooooood title. Intense creepiness will ensue, I’m sure. 🙂 Possibly some insanity as well? I like insanity.
I guess “The Darning Moths” just seamed a bit weak, sew you went for the more direct approach?
Thank you, Al! Yes, liberal doses of creepiness and insanity throughout the series. 😀
Oh, you’re terrible. Get out. XD
~A
Aww, darnit.
Noooooo. XD
~A
Congratulations on both your 100th post and your announcement regarding The Damning Moths. I will patiently wait to get an autographed copy!
Thank you, M! Haha, it’s only fair you get the first copy, since you’ve been waiting the longest for this one to be finished (bar myself XD). 😀
~A
Wow, congrats–good news, all around!
Can’t wait to read all the details about the book once it’s published!
Thank you, Sherry! 😀
~A
I love this! Love your thoughts on blogging and I am right there with you—appreciating the friends I’ve made along the journey. Congrats on your 100th post. Sheesh, I’ve been blogging for over a year and a half and haven’t even broken 70 yet! LOL
I’m so glad to have gotten to know you better. Can’t wait to hear more about your novel!
Thank you, Barb! 😀 Haha, don’t worry, I’ve noticed I tend to blog a lot more frequently than a lot of people (then again, others can manage to blog daily! Wow!).
~A
I haven’t said enough how excited I am for you, that you’re at a stage where you want to announce publicly! Any time you don’t want to jam more ideas and depth into your books, just let me know and I’ll stop concocting ridiculous world-ending scenarios and discussions in the back of my head.
Thank you, dear. Wouldn’t have gotten this far without you! Haha, but all our brainstorming brings up so many great ideas, whether for this project or any number of others!
~A