A belated Happy New Year to all! December kicked my ass. Mostly in a good way, although some developments were inconvenient. Like all the kids getting the flu the week before Christmas. (So glad we got those flu shots.) Despite that, and a looming editorial deadline, it was a great holiday. We were together, happy, and healthy (by then), and that’s all that matters. I went days without so much as checking my email. I find stretches of time like that to be extremely liberating and grounding. I’m forced to peel back the layers of virtual anonymity and deal with life face-to-face. It reminds me that I’m human.

The first thing my husband and I always say to each other after our champagne toast at midnight on December 31st is “This is going to be the best year of our lives.” Not that I’m superstitious or anything, but our little tradition has worked so far. ;) It’s impossible to control some things, and I’ve learned to appreciate the unexpected. But it still feels like 2013 is going to be a good year. Plans and goals put in motion at the beginning of 2012 have borne fruit. I feel ready to tackle the challenges I know are coming down the pike.

In a similar vein, I’ll be accepting some beta work this year. While a part of my heart will always belong to fandom, it simply isn’t where my interest lies anymore. But the people of the community have always, always been supportive of me, and I would like to pay it forward. So, if anyone would be interested in having me beta read their original fiction, feel free to contact me via email (libbydrew (at) yahoo (dot) com). I can take a limited amount of work considering my standing obligations, but I will try to help whoever asks, if at all possible.

Good luck with all your endeavors, my friends! Hope the holidays were merry and bright. May the New Year bring you all that you desire.

♥ Libby