Goodbye 2015. Oh, hi there 2016!

Well, that was quick, wasn’t it? Here we are, starting a new year again. This is the time that I like to look back at the previous year and everything it involved to remind myself that it didn’t all just pass by in the blink of a eye. I actually did things! Did I do the things I had planned to? Well, let’s have a look…
>> Check out my 2014 wrap up post

The Year of Colouring

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room first of all. This year, regardless of my other plans, became all about colouring books. I spent literally half the year, or more, just designing colouring books. I already had one out, my simple Fairy Art colouring book, and worked on and off through the beginning of the year on my Mermaids colouring book which was released in June. And then, things exploded. Mermaids started hitting bestseller lists on Amazon and selling like nay-nays. I have to admit I was, and am still, shocked at how much people loved it. And everyone was asking for more, so being the kind that wants to please, I dropped all other projects and the rest of the year became colouring book central. I published another two colouring books over the following months, Enchanted (forest themed) and Fairy Companions. And then I created a Mini pocket sized sampler book with samples from the other four. Enchanted also zoomed up the charts, and even now Mermaids and Enchanted fight each other over the number 1 place in their category on Amazon-

But what else did I do?

The beginning of the year was a big milestone for me, finishing my Memory’s Wake trilogy with the release of Providence Unveiled. Once the three books were out and complete, I also released an Omnibus edition, the audio book of Memory’s Wake, and the Companion Guide which was designed for people who read on ebook or listen to audio book, but still want a way to get all the illustrations.

What I didn’t do in 2015 was much of any kind of writing. I had hoped to get the next Empath Chronicles story finished and released, but it got put aside for colouring book work. I did get some time to do a little brainstorming and plotting work (it’s easy to let my mind wander through ideas while outlining colouring pages!) that have helped my plans for the Empath Chronicles and other stories I want to write… but no actual writing done.

I did only a little bit of new art-

A lot of little or experimental artworks which I auctioned along with the Queen of Wands artwork for 78 Tarot and Gift of Starlight, the original of which is for sale now. And of course, my whole website here got a huge make over so I could have a shop here, especially for my original paintings!
 

Back in April-

I did an April Fools joke as I usually do, which was a bit of a flop because…

“I thought your name WAS Selena French!”

We also had some huge storms here which knocked out our power and phone for days, and straight after that I went into surgery to repair my umbilical hernia (being pregnant does all kinds of mess to your body!). The surgery was a quick and easy day surgery, but I didn’t count on requiring months after that to recover. Abdominal surgery, ouch.
I was recovered though just in time for my events for the year! I went to my usuals- Supanova, Winterfest, and Book Expo Australia, and added Sydney Comic-con to the list. Also in December I did a group market with my authors group which was fantastic!

Me, at Supanova, flipping out fangirl style at getting to meet Ed and Al!

Over all, I did manage to get a lot done in 2015, knocking off about half my list of projects I had planned before the tidal wave of colouring books hit. But I have to admit it’s been super fun riding that wave! My favourite part is seeing the finished coloured artworks everyone has been sending me, it’s amazing and inspiring to me seeing the colours people choose for my work. I love it!

How was your 2015? What do you have planned for 2016?

To be honest, I’m not sure of my plans for 2016. I plan to do some planning! So far, I’m partway through work on the next, yes, the next colouring book. It will be Gothic themed. I really do want to get back to some of my other passions that got neglected though, particularly writing and dollmaking. And of course, painting. I’ve been making more of an effort to do a little something creative every day, even if it’s just a 10 minute sketch or some story planning. And that’s felt good. I hope I can keep it up!