Today’s Question: 
Always good to think ahead, not something that comes easily for most creative types, myself included. As preparation for this post, I read the Ayres’ Christmas letter I sent in 2011. A LOT can change in 5 years. I wrote about how I’d just finished my novel and planned to send it out in February. By June, I would have my first contract for 18 Things. Then came 18 Truths and 18 Thoughts. This year I didn’t write much or publish anything new. I’m in a new teaching position and the struggle is real . . . learning all the new content is a task that occupies all my nights and weekends.
My goal is to write a fourth novel in my series that catches up with the characters as they’re approaching their 10 year high school reunion. (My 20th is sometime in 2017–GAK! Where does the time go?!). Hopefully, I’ll write that one over the upcoming Christmas break and have it published soon. I want to give my fans some closure, as I’ve received many emails, asking what happens to the characters when they’re older. After that, I don’t have it in the cards to publish any more books. I’m completely fulfilled with my new job of teaching English II to tenth graders. Funny thing is that five years ago I was a second grade teacher! If some Jedi Master predicted my future and told me where I’d be right now, I wouldn’t have believed them!
No matter what comes by way, I pray that I’ll stand with courage and faith, knowing God is always there for me. I hope you know that, too 🙂
Where do you see yourself in five years? How do you plan to get there?
This has been a post for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, the brainchild of Head Ninja, Alex J. Cavanaugh. Feel free to join us the first Wednesday of every month! Purpose: To share and encourage.
Co-Hosts:
Jennifer Hawes
Jen Chandler
Nick Wilford
Juneta Key
JH Moncrieff
Diane Burton
MJ Fifield
Jamie Ayres 
It’s really hard juggling a job and writing. I know you’ll figure it out and find it less of a struggle. Good luck with your goals.
Thank you, Natalie 🙂 No contract=no pressure!
Five years really can change a lot! Keep going!
Five years can include so many changes!
I’m so glad you’ve found a wonderful job!
Praying and hoping that all goes wonderfully for you in the next five years and beyond!
Five years ago, you didn’t even have a published book – rather wild, huh? Hope you get the time you need to finish the fourth one.
It’s cool to look back five years… I need to do that now 🙂 I love making plans for the future, but sometimes looking back and appreciating how far you’ve come is even better.
The older I get, the more I prefer to live in the moment. 🙂
And if I can just say I moved forward instead of backward five years from now, I will consider it an accomplishment.
Sorry I’m so late, Jamie. In 5 years I hope I see myself with no internet issues ever! Merry Christmas. I hope all your dreams come true in 2017, then again in 2018, then in 2019. It’s been a blast watching you evolve.
You’ve come a long way in five years. Here’s hoping the next five are even better. Good luck with that fourth book and Merry Christmas!
What a journey! Good luck finishing your writing project and who knows what will happen in the next five years.