Reflecting Back and Looking Forward

Oh, the last day of 2008. It's been a heck of a year, hasn't it? Everyone says we are going to have to weather more economic hardship in 2009; I'm trying not to focus on that too much. What I am focusing on is my strategy for next year! ;)

In 2008 I set a goal for myself to read at least one book I had purchased BEFORE 2008 each month. I didn't make it. I only managed to read 8 - not bad, but still didn't reach the goal. That is exactly how the books pile up faster than I get them read. I know I've had many trips to the bookstore where a single trip brought home more than 8 books! Well, I'm going to try that goal again.

Of the 78 authors I read this year, a staggering 61 were new to me. I don't know if I'll have such a great number next year as a decent percentage of those authors will be on my radar for 2009. Some new (to me) authors that I already know I'm going to attempt to read include:

• Jeff Cohen
• J.A. Konrath
• Ken Isaacson
• Chester Campbell
• L.J. Sellers
• Les Roberts
• C.J. Box
• Jennifer Lee Carrell
• Tom Schreck
• Jim Stovall
• Don Winslow
• Harry Hunsicker
• Elizabeth Becka

(I have books by almost all of these people already so they can work toward my book a month bought before '09.) And that's just a start. I know I'll receive many great recommendations that I'll have to follow up on as well.

I set a goal for the number of books I wanted to read in 2008; I didn't reach that goal, but what I discovered was that it didn't matter all that much to me. I had such a wonderful time reading what I did - that was what truly mattered. So, no number goals for 2009 - just continue to read and love doing it!

Corey challenged me to 25 author interviews and I'm using that as my goal for interviews. As of right this minute, I still have every intention of attending the L.A. Times Book Festival in April. And if everything goes as planned, I'm hoping to be in Indy for Bouchercon in October. I'm also keeping my eyes peeled for some author appearances within driving distance from me for 2009.

My biggest goal, though, is going to be to increase my readership here. Sharing books with all of you is what brings me the greatest joy. So, I say, the more the merrier!

Special thanks go out this year to folks who have been such dedicated readers: Naomi, Corey, Michael, Joy, Serena, Lesa, Debbie, Trish...your comments brighten my day! You've helped make this year extra special for me. And you've taught me so much. Keep those comments coming. I only want this blog to get better and better!

So, I'm excited for 2009. I hope you all are, too. I'll leave you on this New Year's Eve with a link over to The Drowning Machine. Corey has two great posts up - and I'm not saying that just because he mentions me in one! ;) This post is Corey's own first annual awards post. I have to say that I was especially fond of the "Not Worth a Tinker's Dam Award". I didn't read that book, but I know for sure to stay away from it now! And this post is Corey's reading resolutions for 2009. I think they're very good resolutions! I'm also envious that Corey used transmogrify in a post! I'm waiting on a book from the library called 100 Words to Make You Sound Great. I bet transmogrify is in that book! ;)

Happy New Year Everyone!