Tonight’s guest blog post (perfect for New Year’s Day!) is brought to you by fantasy author and interviewee Deborah Rae Cota.
Beginnings
A new year is like a fresh page.
A clean sheet.
A blank canvas to start anew, without blemish or error.
A new horizon to look upon with hope…
At least, it is now. I actually used to dread New Years Eve.
It seemed so symbolic of loss to me; loss of time and chances, and especially the stupidly, squandered opportunities. I feared the passing of time, and dwelled on what I may have missed, instead of remembering what I had experienced, enjoyed and learned.
As I grew older, and hopefully wiser, I learned that my fears were for naught. My fear was the very thing keeping me down, and holding me back from moving my life forward.
Now, I look to a new year eagerly, and await to see what adventures it holds for me. As a writer, this is not only how I see the start of a new year, but also every start of a new novel.
It’s three hundred and sixty-five opportunities with which to achieve greatness, and be the star of the story that is your life. Vast opportunities where only you can make the choices, and decide where the story goes. The outline, the plan, the vision…
Of course, deciding the characters can be tricky. We all want to be the protagonist in our own story, but sometimes we end up being only a secondary character, or goofy sidekick for a short time… and then sometimes, by choice or without realizing it, even the antagonist. From beginning, to middle, to end… the plot will thicken or thin, but only by your design.
Will it be it a torrid romance, a silly, yet romantic comedy, a family drama, or a fantasy wrought with mystical heroes? No one really knows, until you toss away your fears, and put pen to paper. The choice is always yours.
Never mind who or what you were before, or what mistakes were made. This is a new story. A new chapter just waiting for you. And it all starts with a blank page.
Don’t be afraid… turn it over… Let’s begin.
Happy New Year!
Thank you, and you, Deborah. Most of the authors I’ve interviewed have said they’re ‘pantsers’ and whilst Stephen King says “The scariest moment is always just before you start”, but it’s certainly not for me (and I’m sure other writers) – we can’t edit a blank page so as you say, “don’t be afraid” and enjoy the ride. 
Deborah Rae Cota ventured into many arenas seeking a home. After promising a former teacher to write something every day, pen and paper (along with her trusty camera) have always been a part of her daily routine.
When Deborah isn’t writing, she’s cooking and creating new recipes for her family, or screaming in the stands of her favorite local sports teams where she lives, breathes & works in the beautiful, scenic Bay Area.
Her website is http://www.dantechronicles.com and she can be found on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/#!/DanteChronicles).
Debra has to-date released two of a planned eight books from ‘The Dante Chronicles’, Book I is titled ‘The Kindred’ and Book II is ‘The Brotherhood’. Book III, ‘The Traveler’ is due out Spring 2013…
Every team needs a leader…and now that the team is formed, and ready, missions should go exactly as planned. Right? But what if the leader isn’t the one calling the shots? An old nemesis has some new players he is toying with, and creating total chaos for the team. With the help of former members of The Brotherhood, the team will learn a tough lesson that will ultimately strengthen them, but at what cost?
Set against the backdrop of the San Francisco Bay Area, and Silicon Valley, this is Book III of The Dante Chronicles.
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