Last year, I chose a theme word for 2019 using this word generator and got “savor,” which felt perfect for me and my baking-themed debut novel. Here’s what I said looking ahead to 2019:
2019 is going to be full of exciting moments, and I’m going to try to savor them, to slow down and revel a bit when I’m feeling joy. But I’m also going to do my best to savor the not-so-great moments, when there are disappointments, or when the writing won’t flow and every word feels like a struggle. I’m going to try to appreciate the work, even when it isn’t easy. Because work is good in itself. And because I am privileged to be doing work than may end up as books for children. I’m going to savor that. Or at least I’m going to try!
How did I do?
My debut middle grade novel, MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM, published on June 11, 2019!
You may have heard people say that debut year is a rollercoaster. They are CORRECT. It was a year filled with surprises. I had many highs to celebrate! And although there were moments of stress and teeth-gnashing and doubt, I think I managed to stick to my theme word of “savor” pretty well.
I did a ton of book events all over the country, and found that to my surprise, I actually enjoy promotion. I got to collaborate with fellow authors, made lots of new friends, and reconnected with old ones. I attended workshops and conferences and filled my creative well. I Skyped, Flip-gridded, and visited many schools (including the one I attended as a child!) and got to share my author journey with wonderful kids. Best of all, I got to spend time with my family and bask in their love.
Oh, and I finished another novel, and started another. I revised several picture books and managed to write a new PB draft that I love. And I announced four more books, coming in 2021 and 2022!
Here are some of my favorite photos from launch events, the launch party, bookstores, conferences, workshops, retreats, nErDCamps, and school visits this year:
So this year, when I tried the word generator, this is what I got:
Now how’s that for a cool word? My debut picture book, SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS: A TALE OF MUSIC AND MATH releases on July 14, 2020! I don’t have a cover yet, but here’s a taste of the tantalizing interior art by Archana Sreenivasan:
SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS is set in ancient India and tells the story of a poor boy named Bhagat who wants to earn a place as the Rajah’s musician. As you may guess, the tale involves music and math—a math puzzle, in fact, that teaches the basics of binary numbers. And numbers are…that’s right…infinite.
But so are we. We are infinite as creators, and as humans. There’s no telling what we can do through courage, hard work, and perseverance.
So that’s what I’d like to do in 2020: embrace the infinite. Set lofty goals and push myself to be the best writer, doctor, mother, wife, and person I can be. My family has a lot of life milestones to celebrate next year, and I’d love to celebrate more publishing milestones as well.
What’s your word for 2020? Maybe give the word generator a try, and let me know! Whatever your word is, I wish you all the best for 2020 and beyond, including time filled with love, joy, and doing the things you enjoy most.
In honor of the new year, I’m giving away a preorder of SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS plus a preorder of a 2020 picture book of your choice from my debut PB group, The Soaring 20s! Enter below to win, and Happy New Year!!
I love this! I just tried the word generator, and it gave me revamp. That could apply to some manuscripts I’m working on but also to the way I approach things in life. Thanks for the idea and Happy New Year!
Ooh! I love that word! Thank you for all you do for writers and dreamers, and best wishes for 2020!!
Happy New Year Rajani! I used the word generator you linked to and got the word: father … So fitting since Finding Om features my dad who passed away a couple years ago… So excited to have my debut book share his joyful spirit. It was so lovely to read your reflections on your debut year! Hope we will get to meet some time along the way 😉 Love, Rashmi
Oh, wow, Rashmi! How cool! Hope you have a wonderful 2020, and congrats on your debut!! I would love to meet in person!
Infinite-what a great word for you for 2020! I am infinitely impressed by you, Rajani! Congratulations on all the successes in 2019. I’m so glad we got to hang out a bit at nErDcampLI 🙂 Here’s to 2020!
Thank you so much, Katrina! Congrats on all your successes, and I can’t wait to see more of your books out in the world! Happy New Year!
What a wonderful year for you…congratulations!! My word was perfect: BLOSSOM. I’ve been racking my brain for this year’s word and this fits perfectly with several projects I’m working on!
That is a beautiful word! I absolutely love it! Happy New Year!!
I tried the word generator and it gave me “BE.” I will have to think about how I could apply this to my life because I need to “be” more than just me right now. Happy New Year!
Ah, a very zen word for 2020! I think we could all use some time to step back and just “be.” Happy 2020 to you!
Thanks for sharing! Your journey is encouraging and I’m excited for the books you have coming out! SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS looks so fun! So interestingly, the word I got was MISSION which is so fitting! It’s the reason i’m in Thailand right now and a reminder to keep going while continuing to write too!
Oh that is fascinating! Best of luck in your travels and writing!! Happy New Year!
Your upcoming picture book looks gorgeous!
Thank you! I cannot wait to show everyone the cover! Happy New Year!
What an inspired post, Rajani! I tried the word generator and got “bloom”. Here’s hoping lots of stories bloom for all of us this year!
Happy New Year, Joana!! I love “bloom” — and I’m so happy to be debuting with you this year!!
Great word for the year! Congratulations on your upcoming book! That art looks awesome and I can’t wait to read it!
Thank you so much! I’m very excited about it, and I can’t wait to share it with the world! Happy 2020!