… don’t let the door hit your arse on the way out!
I DOUBT there would have been a single person on the planet who could have predicted just how crap-tac-ular 2020 would turn out for most of us.
I know I sure as hell didn’t.

While the rest of the world was recovering from COVID’s devastating first wave, my beautiful Melbourne was rocked by a second wave that saw our city locked down tighter than a duck’s arse.
For many Melburnians, this meant juggling working from home with remote learning, while many others lost their jobs. Businesses went under, masks became compulsory, the ring of steel slammed shut and super-strict curfews and travel restrictions were imposed.
It didn’t take long for mental health issues to soar, or for toilet paper to become our #1 commodity, and the question on everyone’s lips for months was: “What time is Dan’s presser?”

Here at chez Clark, the Rock God and I had to cancel not one, but two overseas holidays (one to the US and one to New Zealand); along with seven concerts (even though I did manage to squeeze six live shows between 1 January and 13 March). I’m still shattered we couldn’t go to the @IronMaiden shows in Melbs and Auckland, though • #devastated

Despite those few hiccups (and really, that’s all they were), I’ve definitely been lucky throughout this pandemic. Thankfully, all my loved-ones were safe and healthy; I still have a job I love (thank God, because if I didn’t love it, I’m pretty sure I’d have had at least three nervous breakdowns this year… yes, we‘ve been that busy); I’ve always had food on the table, a roof over my head and a comfy, safe bed to sleep in. That’s much more than many people could say.

Oh, and I was also “lucky” enough to have the undivided attention of not one, but two, fur babies who really didn’t understand that IT WAS NOT APPROPRIATE TO SIT ON MUMMY’S LAP EVERY TIME SHE WAS IN A BLOODY ZOOM!

Most importantly, though, I had the Rock God by my side, making this challenging time an unexpectedly positive experience. He managed to make me laugh everyday, put together all the IKEA I bought during my late-night online shopping binges, and knew when to give me a wide berth… because we all have shitty days sometimes, am I right?

When all was done and dusted in Melbourne (for 62 consecutive days at least), I came out of isolation with a smile on my face, and dare I say it, a better, renewed perspective on life.
I took up new hobbies, rediscovered old ones, did online courses and went to conferences; bought myself every writing craft book I could one-click and, most importantly, I WROTE OVER 30,000 WORDS DURING #NANOWRIMO
I also gained a new appreciation for our unsung heroes; our emergency responders, VIC POL, ambos and firies; our doctors, nurses, teachers and home carers. But, also those people you never expected would be the key to keeping us safe and comfortable during a pandemic; I’m talking about the retail assistants, hospitality workers, cleaners, delivery drivers—I’m on a first name basis with my StarTrack guy now. I’m pretty sure we might even be dating… unofficially, of course.
These are the people who put themselves in the firing line, day in and day out, to keep the rest of us safe and healthy. To each and every one of you, I say a heartfelt thank you.

Now, I’m looking forward to 2021, and am focussing on doing the things that will make some of my biggest dreams come true.
Book one of my #fangsfurandfreaks paranormal rom com series is penciled in to be released in October, and to be honest, the mere thought of it both thrills and terrifies me.
This has been a long time coming, and I can hardly believe how close I am to the finish line. Of course, to achieve this, I need to COMMIT; to FOCUS and work hard to make sure I reach the goals I‘ve set for myself. It’s all very exciting!
Eeeeeeeee! Wish me luck!
I have to say, despite the fact that lockdown wasn’t so bad for me, I’m not exactly sad to see the back of 2020. After a year of being surrounded by negativity and whining (ohmygod, sooooo much whining), it’s nice to have something wonderful to look forward to, and to get back into a positive frame of mind.
Come on, 2021… I’m ready AF for you.
BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE
I almost forgot… I’ve set up a super-special Facebook Group in the lead up to the launch of my debut #fangsfurandfreaks series.
ECs #fangsfurandfreaks Squad is THE place to get the inside scoop including Cover reveals, character profiles and interviews, playlists, sneak peeks, deleted scenes, PINsipration boards, surveys and much more.
As launch date draws closer, there’ll be ARCs, giveaways, merch and a super-secret side project I think you’re all going to love.

So, why not join? Bring your sense of humour, invite your buddies and get ready for fun, fun, fun! Post, comment, share… everyone’s welcome.
#byebye2020 #grateful #focus #commit #yearinreview #indieauther #indiewriter #amwriting #amwritingparanormalromcom #paranormalromcom #romance #aussieromance #aussieromanceweiter #romancewriter