{"id":15284,"date":"2023-12-21T08:25:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-20T21:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/?p=15284"},"modified":"2025-07-24T17:33:14","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T07:33:14","slug":"a-cinematic-summary-of-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/a-cinematic-summary-of-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"A Cinematic Summary of 2023!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every year has its ups and downs. Every turn of the globe gives us celebrations to enjoy and commiserations to endure. It&#8217;s the same for us all. In the interests of inspiring others with positivity, however, I tend to share more of my celebrations than commiserations, and this year I had lots of inspiration to share! On video!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some publications also got their own shorts earlier in the year&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">VILLAIN OR HERO<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"900\" height=\"507\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/skhkVj_PK5A?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-AU&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">WHEN DARK ROOTS HUNT<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"When Dark Roots Hunt #BookCover #Shorts \u2013 Zena Shapter\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/x9NI1XT2b58?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">NOT TODAY<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Zena Shapter \u2013 Not Today \u2013 Dark Recesses Press #horrorstories #shorts #sciencefiction\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4dVRzR9NLIo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Throughout the year, I <a href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/shorts\/xD35Cl0mr3U?si=WkXFgoSIe_bsv_8O\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">visited a few bookshops<\/a> (click on the link to watch a summary video!) and gave a few interviews to promote my work&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"900\" height=\"507\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-rWzuqJ5quQ?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-AU&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.buzzsprout.com\/1718602\/13448063\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"688\" height=\"644\" src=\"http:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Zena-Shapter-Australian-Book-Lovers-Podcast-Interview.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15038\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Zena-Shapter-Australian-Book-Lovers-Podcast-Interview.png 688w, https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Zena-Shapter-Australian-Book-Lovers-Podcast-Interview-300x281.png 300w, https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Zena-Shapter-Australian-Book-Lovers-Podcast-Interview-150x140.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 688px) 100vw, 688px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I also managed to find time to read&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hammock Free \u2013 Zena Shapter #shorts\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vjbCATGFGXQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To write and send books to readers requesting signed copies&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Posting Books \u2013 Zena Shapter #shorts\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6b8y41mpGro?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I enjoyed plenty of bush walks&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Foreshore Bushwalk - Zena Shapter #shorts\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/BVDHKBpXm4Q?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And plenty of relaxing trips to the beach&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Beach Not Writing - Zena Shapter #shorts\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KR68nH7Mdng?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I snuck off for the odd lunch treat&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Lunch Treat \u2013 Zena Shapter #shorts\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FH9oIZJ_S2Q?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And in between all that&#8230; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/i-won-an-award\/\">I won a writing competition, yay!<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/the-value-of-the-teenage-mind\/\">I judged a writing competition for young writers<\/a>, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/northernbeacheswritersgroup.com\/northern-beaches-writers-competition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">I organised a writing competition<\/a> for adult writers to enter in 2024&#8230; <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"900\" height=\"507\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/F_CYQRrq5Ss?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-AU&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oh, and I helped plenty of writers fulfil their <a href=\"http:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/morning-praise-loveediting\/\">writing dreams<\/a> as well, because for me there&#8217;s nothing better than earning my keep and spending every day with words! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I hope you enjoy the results of all my creative endeavours, or are tempted to share them with someone who will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you know someone who&#8217;d like to share their words with the world as I do, but needs some help to get there, please invite them to check out my <a href=\"http:\/\/zenashapter.com\/creative-support\/\">Creative Support Services<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/zenashapter.com\/contact\/\">get in touch<\/a>. Let&#8217;s see what 2024 can bring us!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every year has its ups and downs. Every turn of the globe gives us celebrations to enjoy and commiserations to endure. It&#8217;s the same for us all. In the interests of inspiring others with positivity, however, I tend to share more of my celebrations than commiserations, and this year I\u2026<\/p>\n<p class=\"continue-reading-button\"> <a class=\"continue-reading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/a-cinematic-summary-of-2023\/\">Continue reading<i class=\"crycon-right-dir\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15285,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"My 2023 expressed through film!","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[6],"tags":[2470,1609,443,2576,2556,2445],"class_list":["post-15284","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-personal-news","tag-dark-recesses-press","tag-midnightsun-publishing","tag-nbwg","tag-not-today","tag-villain-or-hero","tag-when-dark-roots-hunt"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Zena-Shapter-2023.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15284","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15284"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15284\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15908,"href":"https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15284\/revisions\/15908"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15285"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15284"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15284"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zenashapter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15284"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}