It’s time to say goodbye to 2009. Around this time every year, people reflect on the past twelve months and contemplate their experiences and accomplishments. And we look ahead to the new year with hopes and plans for a better, brighter future.
On the world stage, it’s been a whirlwind year. Is it just me or does it seem like there was an inordinate amount of bad news in 2009? My hopes for 2010 include more positivity, more good news, and more peace, love, and understanding.
And more reading and writing!
I love change and fresh beginnings. Even though I think New Year’s is an arbitrary occasion (we humans created it), it’s good to mark time, take a step back, examine one’s life, and ask, Where have I been? Where am I going?
They say that to know where you’re going, you have to know where you’ve been. Before I think about what 2010 has in store for Writing Forward, I’d like to take a look at the milestones of the past year and share with you some of the best articles that were featured here throughout 2009.
Milestones
Milestones are a great way to mark our accomplishments. The best ones come unexpectedly, like when I found out that Writing Forward had been named one of the “101 Best Websites for Writers” by Writer’s Digest.
Another milestone for the site was crossing both its two-year anniversary and the 200-post mark. September marked the beginning of Writing Forward’s third year of publication, and sometime in November, the 200th post was published.
Top Posts
Here’s a mix of my favorite posts from the past year along with those that have been most popular.
- 25 Creative Writing Prompts got lots of visits, beating out most posts from the past year that had been up for much longer.
- The writing exercise Getting Into Character was a big hit. I guess people like to play-act while they write fiction!
- For grammar geeks and words nerds, Homophones: Two, Too, and To got into the nitty gritty of how to spell words that sound the same.
- I was happy to see that one of my personal favorites, How to Improve Your Writing with Poetry, made this list! I’m a believer in poetry as a way to increase creativity and improve your writing skills.
- Writers are always looking for more sources of inspiration, so it’s no surprise that 12 Places to Find Awesome Writing Ideas made the list.
Did I miss any? If there was a post from the past year that you loved, please feel free to leave a comment and share a link. And it doesn’t have to be from Writing Forward. Please leave a link to any of your favorite articles on the web from the past year, as long as they’re writing-related.
Finally, I want to thank everyone who has read, commented, and subscribed to Writing Forward in the past year. You guys have been great and I appreciate your support and readership.
Happy New Year!
I hope you all have a happy, prosperous, and productive 2010. Keep writing!
Arbitrary indeed. Emperors just make arbitrary things to the calendar by taking days away from February, renaming August, adding two months to the beginning of the year so October became the tenth instead of the eighth month of the year and so on. It’s based on no good reason.
Happy new year! (Oh look, the very first comment I left in 2010 is for this post.)
Ha! Emperors and other leaders have done plenty of things for no good reason, although I suspect much of it has been for personal gain. I’ve always heard that our calendar is rather faulty and there is a better system, but it would be way too hard to get everyone adjusted to a different calendar. The masses don’t like change very much.
Anyway, happy new year Kelvin! I hope 2010 is good to you!
Can you even believe another year is over? I love how Writing Forward continues to grow and blossom, Melissa. It’s truly been an amazing journey and I can’t wait to see what you share in 2010! Happy New Year!!!!
*smiles*
Michele
Michele, you were one of the first people to ever comment on my blog. What a journey it has been for both of us! I wish you all the best in 2010!
I know! What a journey… Thanks, Melissa! I can’t wait. 😉
Congratulations on the award. That is so exciting. I know I’m looking forward to another year of “Writing Forward.”
Thanks Deb. It’s funny how I still get excited about the WD article. That was a pretty big deal, being recognized by such a publication! I’m looking forward to this year too. Still working out the details for the direction WF will take in 2010. Happy New Year!
Those are fabulous milestones Melissa. I’m glad to have been along for the ride as a reader of your blog. Have a great 2010!
Thanks Marelisa. As you know, I’m a huge fan of your blog and your creativity ebook. I look forward more in 2010, for both of us.
Congrats on your two-year anniversary and 200-post mark!
I think your super skill is teasing out the finer points of things that trip people up and sharing them in plain English.
Thanks J.D. I actually enjoy writing tutorials and step-by-steps. Not only does it help other people, it also helps me better understand any process. With writing, it’s a little more subjective and the rules are somewhat flexible (especially when creativity is factored in), but it’s still helpful and enjoyable.