Let's Talk with Debra H. Goldstein
August Marks My New Year
August 22, 2024
Most people think January 1 marks the beginning of a new year. Not me. I consider that date as only being the one on which I write a different year on my checks. In the South, my mind views August as the annual change, but modifies it to September in the North. Although I haven’t been a student for many years, that is still my marker for measuring time.
The first day of school was when vacation ended, and the real work of the year began. Whenever traditional New Year’s Day fell, it meant attending the party the night before, taking the day off, and returning to my normal schedule the next day. The first was a momentous change, the latter not so much.
Ironically, my writing career has followed a similar pattern. In August, it has traditionally geared up with conferences, finding out if book contracts will be renewed, and starting new projects. Things quieted down around January 1, because agents, editors, and publishers, having already completed their calendars for the coming year, usually ceased much activity except personal vacations.
As it is now August, I’m excited to announce some new things are on the horizon. I’ve just signed a contract with White City Press, a division of Misti Media, LLC, for publication of a collection of my short stories. I’ve also had several stories accepted for 2024 and 2025 periodicals and anthologies. Finally, I’m beginning a new project (more on that later). All told, it looks like my school year of real work is beginning.
What about you? Do you function around the school year or January 1?
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Posted in Let's Talk, with Debra H. Goldstein • Tags: August marks my new year, Debra H Goldstein, Let's Talk, White City Press | 15 Comments
Talking about a new year, new beginning brings Fall to my mind. For me personally, it represents Endings & Beginnings. The ending is the end of summer and the ending of a certain part of my life. Fall represents a new beginning for me. I recently just moved into a lovely condo and I am so excited to see where this new journey in life takes me.
Hope you enjoy the condo.
Hi Debra, I love having two fresh starts in the year. I still get that new school year thrill in the fall, but also love the midwinter fresh start.
Good point.
When the kids flew the nest and life no longer revolved around their school and after-school activities, I often found myself having to stop to think, “What day is this?” or “What month is this?” Even after all these years, it still sometimes happens. I’ve come to the conclusion that time works differently in my writer’s cave.
There is no question about that, especially if you lose yourself in a work.
It’s been a looooong time since I’ve gone to school but that September start date still lingers in the back of my mind. Fortunately, it’s been years since I’ve had that dream about being in class with no books and no clue about the day’s lesson.
I view life as more of a continuum—everything progresses one day at a time, each changing ever so slightly from the previous one. Each day is new and each offers an opportunity to start anew or just “keep on keepin’ on.”
I haven’t had a child in school in many years. I still feel like September is a beginning of a new cycle, rather than the start of fall.
I agree, Debra, that September feels like a more natural beginning, at least around here. Congratulations on all your new writing ventures. Sounds like 2025 is off to a good start!
Congrats on your new projects! I have a mental calendar that starts with September as that’s when fall season swings into play. January sees a peak and then things drift off toward the summer. It seems to be ingrained in us that September is special, even though most schools here start in August.
I’m with you on August. Best wishes on your new ventures in the new year!
This is wonderful news! Congratulations and best wishes!
I was a teacher for 25 years and September always meant a new and exciting year with dozens of young minds to influence. Also, it’s my birthday month, adding another life year to my existence.
I am functioning on January 1. We do not have any children in school. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.