Goldilox and the Three Weres: Blogoversary - Karina Cooper 4 Years Ago and 4 Years From Now

Here at Goldilox and the Three Weres we are celebrating our

4 YEAR BLOGOVERSARY!

In honor of the four wonderful years this blog has had, we are having authors share with you what they were doing four years ago at this time and what they hope to be doing four years from now. Of course, we thought we should share our own answers with you guys too! Each post, including the ones from us, will include a giveaway, so be sure to check back every day for the next two weeks!

Today's Post Comes From:

Karina Cooper

Four Years: Then and Now

Four years ago, I was gainfully employed in the career of my dreams: I was an author. With a couple books under my belt and a few more lined up, the world was looking rosy.

And then everything sort of went topsy-turvy. The trickle-down effect from Borders finally rolled through my corner of the industry, and paranormal romance took a hit. It was subtle at first, and then not so subtle, and then I realized that while I’d hang on for the ride as long as I could, I would eventually reach the point where my two series would end and then what?

But four years ago, I was too happy to be writing to sweat it. As long as I could write, I could do anything.

Four years later, and I’m about where I expected to be. So many decisions, a new path set in front of me, and hard choices. Even so, I haven’t quit writing. While I didn’t think I’d be here, where I am, dealing with unexpected medical stuff, crazy life changes, and all kinds of writing experimentation, I’m weirdly content about it all. Things change. Life is crazy.

And it’s the best time for a new four year plan.

So I’m launching that now!

Four years from now, I hope to be writing in multiple genres. I hope to be making a mark in SF/F, in short stories, everywhere I can. I want to be always busy, and always working, and you know what? I want to be bold. I want to take risks, suffer the scrapes and celebrate the victories, and I want to always, always be looking for the next challenge.

So, basically? Doing what I do. Loving what I do. And hopefully, sharing it all with you.

Not bad for a short term plan, don’t you think?

And in honor of all the things I love, I’ll be giving away one Galen Dara print from my Fireside short story Four Tons Too Late. It's 11 x 17, and it's my favorite thing in the world. US/CAN only, my doves.

After writing happily ever afters for all of her friends in school, Karina Cooper eventually grew up (sort of), went to work in the real world (kind of), where she decided that making stuff up was way more fun (true!). She writes urban fantasy, SF/F, steampunk misadventures, paranormal romance, and continues to write across multiple genres with mad glee. Her award winning steampunk series, The St. Croix Chronicles, has been nominated for multiple RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards.

One part glamour to two parts dork, she’s an avowed gamer, a borderline hermit and occasional Outer God. She co-exists with loved ones who stubbornly put up with her, a menagerie, and a severe coffee habit. She lurks randomly at @karinacooper and www.karinacooper.com.