2021 has been quite a year, for us as a family. I wanted to remember all that happened and be amazed at all the things that took place this year. Because, I can get really caught up with being frustrated that my writing isn't going anywhere, so this is a gratitude post to remind myself how far I have come this year.

A writing nook in Combita, Colombia
Personal front:
Moved from Bogota, Colombia to Berlin Germany in July.
Battled jetlag to power through unpacking and setting up our home in Berlin.
Found a Kita and School for our kids. We found out later that finding an apartment and Kita in Berlin is harder than a hailstorm on a tin roof.
Saw one set of grandparents. Major win!
Reconnected with old friends in Berlin.
Had our vaccines.
Potty-trained the toddler! Yess!
Started German lessons.
Managed to sell our old car in Jordan remotely (thanks to my husband's former colleague) and bought another car here in Berlin.
Celebrated Christmas with family :')

After the long lockdown lifted we traveled to Fusagasuga in Colombia

Reunited with grandparents

Happy place
Writing wins (no matter how small):
In February I was an honorable mention in Susanna Hill's Valentiny Contests for original POV. I also participated in Vivian Kirkfield's 50Precious Words, SpringFling Kidlit, FallWriting Frenzy, and Halloweensie.
Met four amazing kidlit writers (illustrators) in Berlin and now we have a new in-person critique group!
I submitted stories to Ladybug and Highlights magazines.
I joined three other awesome critique groups.
Joined a Library.
Read 20 books, plus countless picture books this year.
I had an insightful critique from Vivian Kirkfield who is the kindest, nicest person ever!
I won critiques from Aneta Adamcová-Cruz, Larissa D. Elliot, and Brittany Pomales.
I won 2 readthroughs from Maryna Doughty and Sarah Meade.
I received 5 agent and 4 Publisher Likes from various pitch events!
Received an R&R from a publisher.
I won an MG book from Sylvia Liu! Can't wait to dig into Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation.
I had four full requests from agents this year!
Last but not least, I have been selected as the mentee for the Desi Kidlit Mentorship 2022 Program, my mentor will be the super-talented author-illustrator Nidhi Chanani, whose graphic Novel Pashmina will be adapted into a Netflix Film!

Finally a Library membership!

Christmas Market in Berlin 2021
I am looking forward to 2022 and wish you all a very Happy New Year! Let's write!
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What beautiful places you’ve been, Rozana! Congratulations on all the writing wins!