It’s that time of the year when we reflect on the last 365 days and take stock on the good, the bad and the ugly. The “what worked” and “what didn’t.” I struggled for a little bit on whether I wanted to do a recap or not. There was no deep reason, I just didn’t feel like it. The year was as they would say in Nigerian pidgin was”one kain” or here we’ll say “blah”
I don’t know if it was a good year or a bad year but I do know that the Bible says to give thanks in all things. So here I was watching Princes Elena of Avalor ( yep, my kids new fascination) when I pulled out the PC and decided to share with you the highlights of my 2016.
The year started off with me preparing for surgery on my left hand. Although it isn’t my dominant hand.It really threw me for a loop on what I couldn’t do after the procedure and the pain. Thankfully I had already written my sixth book, He Changed My Name and my seventh The Final Ultimatum which were my 2016 releases. However a writer without a “hand” for 3 months was a hard thing for me. If you’ve followed this blog, I told y’all about it. I was able to rest a lot and do a lot of self care stuff however I wanted to write and I whined to anybody who would listen. (My truth)
As the year progressed and with a lot of therapy I could write again yay! But then came the drama at work. Can you say chaos? Change on its own its hard but chaotic change is a whole issue. With the work being out of order, I still couldn’t produce as I wanted. Then when I did sit down to write, the words would not come. They just wouldn’t come. I was taught a harsh lesson on the reliance on my preconceived abilities. Every good thing comes from God and it is only by His grace.
You see what I mean when I say the year was “one kain”
But….But…It was not all pooh. There were many silver linings in my clouds. And I’m so grateful to God.
I had my first physical book club meeting…yay!! I was so geeked. I’ve had many online events but to actually meet women who actively discussed my book was great! We discussed When You Let Go. They Loved it and I had a great time.
He Changed My Name was nominated for 3 awards. Building Relationships Around Books CF and BRAB Womens’ fiction. I didn’t get the award but to be recognized was a total honor. It also got nominated for NWA faith based fiction( Ceremony will take place in Nigeria Jan 2017). It also made it to #34 on the BCCN Best Seller List. That book has exceed my expectation.
Late summer as I prepared for the release of The Final Ultimatum, I began to pen my first non fiction book. In The Dark is a book birth from my passion to empower and help build confident expectations in the word of God through all of life’s seasons. It along with its prayer journal are slated for release in March of 2017.
The highlight of my year as an author was attending the Inaugural Christian Book Lover’s Retreat in Charlotte NC in October. I had so much fun! I got to meet readers and fellow authors who shared the same passion for faith and fiction as I do. I also got to meet my shero Pat Simmons pictured in the middle. And of course got to hang out with my sissy, and bestie Nigeria Lockely. She has a great book and party scheduled for 2017. Check her out at nigerialockley.com
The last several weeks of the year has been filled with preparing for a very exciting first quarter 2017.What to expect? 1. I’ll be revealing a surprise project in my next post. 2.I also plan to concentrate on marketing and promoting my upcoming book. 3. The conclusion to the Sons of Ishmael series will be under construction.4. Ill be attending the Books and Brunch Event
Despite what I thought I’d do that I didn’t do or what I wish I did but didn’t. I’m so grateful God let me see this year to the end and I’m grateful to all of you. My readers and supporters for rocking with me.
The support of my family is immeasurable. They always, always have my back in all I set out to do. I’m so thankful for them.
My verse for the year 2017 is Ephesians 3:20 and my phrase will be #ExceedingExpectations. That is what I claim for you and for me.
May the good Lord focus and train our thoughts to confidently expect that He will do exceedingly and above all you have asked for.
Cheers and have a very Happy New Year!
Blessings
Unoma
Have you Read My Free Story Full Circle yet?
Unoma Nwankwor 