Happy New Year! @DenyseBridger #RomFantasy

I haven’t done a year in retrospect before, but 2013 has been an adventure for me in many ways, creatively, personally, and professionally. At the end of it all, some lessons learned, and maybe a little wisdom acquired–who really knows, right? Life has a way of showing up what we need, and this year I’ve learned a lot from the people around me who care.

There will be some immediately visible things happening over the next few weeks, mainly that I will be a little more scarce on the social media scene. Two reasons for this, one is I am really tired right down to my soul, and can’t keep all the irons in the fire. Secondly, and I hope this will please at least a few people, I want to concentrate more on writing actual books again. While the socializing and promotions have often been fun, it eats up huge chunks of time that should have been spent creating new books and stories. So, choices had to be made.

I’ve considered a lot of directions to go in terms of writing, and there are things planned that will be a lot of fun creatively. I’ve given up the notion of quitting. I don’t think I could do it, really. I have to write, it’s my voice to the world in general. However, there will be more diversity. More genres where sex and romance are not the focus, but perhaps the backbone in a more subtle way. I need to find my writers’ voice again, and I can’t do that writing in one genre, even if I try to mix elements. There are superb erotic romance authors out there, and I’m not one of them. So, I will find what works for me. As I told my wonderful editor, I like sexy, sensuous romance–SEXUOUS is the term I’ve given it. A softer touch than straight up erotic, and a more sensual touch than traditionally labelled sweet romance. I’m also heading back to fantasy worlds. I love creating them, doing the background, making them real. And then populating them with heroes and heroines who are more than able to battle the epic war between good and evil!

Personally–I think I have found a balance internally at last. This past year saw my life well blessed with the presence of some extraordinary friends. In at least one of those hearts was a light and wisdom that made me see a great many things in a whole new way. After a lot of personal struggles and fears, I learned to accept certain aspects of life, and just let faith do the rest. With that came a very special kind of peace and calm. The craziness that was swallowing my sanity suddenly didn’t exist anymore, and it was a special kind of release. That freedom is worth more than I can say.

So, in conclusion, I hope the coming year will be rich with happy changes and challenges well met. I don’t make resolutions, but my goal is to produce at least two new novels. My wish for all of you is that you find peace in your hearts, and that each new day gives you something to smile about and feel blessed. Happy New Year everyone – see you in 2014!