2020 to 2021

I am sure no one is sad to see 2020 in the rearview mirror. So much strife, struggle, and heartache on all levels. Many life milestones were diminished by the pandemic. For my family, we celebrated our youngest’s high school graduation and first day at college differently but with no less importance. Looking back to the first six months of the pandemic, who would have imagined this world we view today. Because of COVID19, words like “unprecedented times”, “social distancing”, and “flattening the curve” have become part of our vernacular. This global Pandemic has affected government policy, finances, personal habits, and social behaviors—no one has been untouched. My daughter’s high school graduation wasn’t what any of us envisioned—from the face masks to the car queue before collecting their diploma. Of course, a class that entered the world conflicted by 9-11 would surely be able to collect their high school diplomas with pride and grace. Still, what will forever be imprinted in my mind will be the memory of the faculty lined up down the lane in front of the school. Thank you to the teachers for caring and being a constant Light through all of this. “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” (Albus Dumbledore)

In July, we dropped our daughter off at the gates of US Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY. She is thriving as a plebe, sailing on the dinghy team, passing all her classes; we are thrilled she has been able to continue school as USMMA has been 100% Covid-free behind the gates.

My eldest quarantined at his own apartment at his college town—what 19/20-year-old would voluntarily shelter in place with his parents? He taught himself how to play the guitar via YouTube and worked on growing his YouTube stream. And, he also grew his hair out long enough for a manbun. If anyone is looking for a bookcover model, I know a guy.

I continue to be busy editing. I’ve never edited so many books in one year. I’ve edited forty-five books in the last seven years but...

I edited thirteen books in 2020! Thirteen! Two are second editions. Five will publish in 2021. Eight are Jane Austen fan fiction (JAFF). I am thankful for the twenty authors who trusted me with their words. And I am in the middle of a few projects now and a couple more are scheduled for the coming months. #amediting #HaveRedPenAndNotAfraidToUseIt ‬

So excited! The anthology Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl has been honored by Austenesque Reviews as their Favorithe Anthology of 2020 and also voted as a Readers’ Choice.

And we are thrilled Babblings of a Bookworm also named Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl as a Top Pick for 2020. #ILoveBestOfListSeason

This is a heady feeling to have Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl named as a 2020 Favorite Read at From Milton to Pemberley amongst so many of my longtime favorite authors.

It was great to see the audiobook for Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl as Best of 2020 for Classical Literature After Canon as well as naming Elizabeth Grace as BEST AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR for the anthology at Jorie Loves a Story blog! Good start to 2021, indeed!

Wow! Honored to be included amongst Austenprose’s Best Austenesque & Historical Books of 2020, Short Story Anthology. What validation for the efforts, like a whisper in my head that says, “Keep on.”

I read and reviewed/rated eighty books at Goodreads, surpassing my goal of sixty-five in August. I think I will set the same goal of sixty-five books for 2021. I don’t want to feel pressure. That will spoil the enjoyment IF I feel I MUST read...

We are pleased to be able to donate $710 to Chawton House from our Amazon royalties from “Yuletide: A Collection of Jane Austen-inspired stories” for 2020. We had a total of 689 ebook/paperback sales. Not too shabby for our third Christmas!

My plan for 2021: Instead of knee jerk reactions, take a breath. Before meeting a challenge, take a breath. Every day, make sure to look around and take a breath.

(View from the ferry to Orcas Island, Washington.)

Thank you for supporting indie projects and micro businesses. I love what I do as an editor and am lucky to be able to do what I love. Wishing you and yours good health! —Christina Boyd