Although 2011 was layered with personal challenges, it truly was a great year for me. As challenges tend to do, they made me stronger, not just as a writer or teacher, but as a person.

On the writing front it has been my best year yet, publishing twenty five short stories. My personal goal was to get twenty stories published before the end of the year; I’m now on thirty six. And yes, I’m still counting. Counting my blessings, so to say.

I’ve also managed to break into a few bigger short story markets, including Short-Story.Me, Silver Blade Magazine, Dark Moon Books and Morpheus Tales. My biggest goal for 2011 was to get into an actual print magazine, which I did. Unfortunately it will only be available late in 2012.

The Dark Minds anthology, which includes my short story Vengeance of Hades, was nominated by ‘This is Horror’ for the best anthology of 2011. This was a huge compliment for Ross Anthony Warren and the guys at Dark Minds. This was my very first nomination for any kind of literary award.

My goal was also to start my very first novel this year. After a lot of trial runs of about 10 000 words, I’m proud to say I’m now 24 000 words in and the plot is looking strong.

Overall I’ve learned a lot of new writing techniques this year, either through trial and error, reading, or advice from other writers. I’ll never be naïve enough to believe there is nothing new for me to learn.

I’ve met some great writers over the year as well, especially through Facebook, Mywriterscircle.com and IFWG Publishing. I look forward working with some of these writers next year.

My 'Joe Mynhardt's Short Stories' page on Facebook, which I believe I started somewhere in the middle of the year, has grown to 141 fans. My goal for the end of the year was at least 100 fans.

I also took on a new challenge this year by becoming an Assistant Submissions Editor for The South African Literary Journal, New Contrast.

One of my biggest personal goals for the year was to get involved with charity work, especially since I was spending so much time on my writing. I didn’t want people to think I was self-centred or something. I opened a page for the charities I support on my website, and contribute 10% of all my writing income to them.



 Just spending some time at one of my favourite charities.


With a brand new Kindle, I’ve also started reading a lot more, if that’s even possible, so next year should be quite interesting on the reading front.

Let’s not forget I’m a primary school teacher as well (where do I get the time?). It was a tough year, but after seven years of teaching, I’m finally finding myself. I’ve also been appointed as the head of safety as well as occupational safety for the school. I even went on a drug testing seminar (Yes, they tested me as well). Hopefully I won’t have to use the test on kids.

Stay tuned for my list of goals in 2012. It should be interesting.

All the best.