It’s All Happening!

Two years ago, I sat at my desk after getting on Twitter, and wondered how it was I could make reading books into a “career,” so to speak. I knew nothing about book blogging. I didn’t realize what a boon Twitter—and the connections I made on it—would be for me as a teacher, editor, book lover, and, as I’ve finally admitted, writer.

So many things have fallen into place. For two years now, I have been an apprentice and assistant to a freelance editor, and I’ve learned so much not only about editing, but about the book world in general. I love editing books and helping my writer friends by being a beta reader for new and exciting things they’re writing. I love connecting with other professional and freelance editors on Twitter, and how much I learn from them. And, late last year, I received my first official endorsement as an editor!

My blog, which started as a celebration of the humanities (which literature, mind you, is very much a part of), has morphed into a full-time book blog, and just this week, I officially became part of the She Reads Blog Network. Formerly, I was a reader for Book of the Month, but sadly they ended their reader program. While I was with them, I was fortunate enough to read and review several books—and I enjoyed doing it.

As far as writing goes, in 2015 I actually had a fair amount of “things” published. My post “The Truth of Memories” was featured on Freshly Pressed, and Valerie Strauss featured my post “Practicality and Teaching” on The Washington Post’s “Answer Sheet.” My flash fiction piece, “Purification,” was included in Deadly Ever After’s March Madness Flash Fiction series. Also, I was fortunate enough to be able to write a guest post for author Deanna Raybourn’s blog (I respect and admire her, and LOVE her characters).

Finally, in a beautiful, amazing, yet terrifying moment, one of my poems was published on Long Exposure Magazine’s website. The winter digital issue should be released soon, and will feature my poem as well. I have many poems left to share…here’s hoping they find the right homes this year.

I still teach, of course. And this (school) year I shared My “vision statement” with my students and the Internet. I still love teaching, and my interactions with my students, and sharing my love of literature and learning with them. As well as (sometimes) vague pop-culture references that they don’t understand…though sometimes they do.

At any rate, I wanted to thank you all for joining me on this journey, and for continuing to read my blog posts—about books or otherwise. I look forward to many more milestones this year, and for a long time to come! Check back often for more updates about books, writing, and maybe other things!

Heather