Day 20 (part 1) – Edinburgh

The last day off 2011 is upon us. As I write, it has just ticked over into 2012 in Perth (Australia, not Perth in Scotland). Kind of a weird feeling, as the only other time I’ve been out of WA at New Year’s was in Melbourne, where we were 3 hours ahead. So being behind seems weird.

I’m not unhappy to say goodbye to 2011. As years go, it has been far too interesting for my liking. The big minus was losing Mum, in many ways too soon but in others the relief that she’s no longer in pain. Then losing Sara Douglass, also to cancer, and also much too soon. Along the way one of my former bosses passed away suddenly, not yet 55 and with teenage sons. The world is a lesser place without you all.

Top of the plus list is L, who continues to be my strength and inspiration, and has now put up with me for over 10 fabulous years. Various friends have stayed with me, and continue to inspire. Thank you. Other highs include friends bringing new life into the world, and celebrating milestones with other friends and their other small people.

I don’t know how to sum up the year the press had, it has been fabulous working with all of our writers and editors, working with folks I’ve known for some time, and working with some I hadn’t previously met. Everyone has really been a pleasure to work with. Hopefully they’ve all enjoyed working with us. It tends to be a personal process, makingg fabulous books while working around what the real world throws at us. It was a mixed blessing working with Sara Douglass on The Hall of Lost Footsteps, as it turned out to be her last book, and losing Sara before she was able to see a finished copy. I think Karen Brooks made this as good as it could be. Thank you all for making 2011 the year it was: Liz, Amanda, Talie, Angela, Lisa, Justina, Lucy, Sara, Karen, Kaaron, Felicity, Steven, Lezli, Greg, Jason and Kim (and the others we can’t announce yet).

Goodbye 2011.