Tag: resolutions

Happy 2018

“This is not going to end the way you think.” –Luke Skywalker, The Last Jedi

Luke’s quote sums up the bizarre nature of 2017. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any stranger or more unbelievable, it did. Fears about what might happen with the new administration turned out to be correct, but on the flip side, I have been more politically aware and involved than I have been in a long time. Participating in the women’s march last January gave me hope that we can make changes, but the fight is just beginning and we still have a long way to go.

Writing-wise, 2017 was disappointing. I didn’t get nearly enough writing done, despite starting the year on a positive note and having some ambitious goals. Right now Thief of Destiny is on hold but being reconsidered as I work through some plot issues. Time to rethink and figure out why it hasn’t been working for me. But the good news is that I have started working on a new novel featuring a would-be executioner and I’ve been having fun writing it. Being able to enjoy writing again is a strange and welcome concept. I want to have that same feeling when I go back to working on Sydney’s story. I know I will get there.

Fortunately we’re staring down 2018 with a clean slate. I won’t let last year’s disappointments get me down. I never seem to follow through with resolutions, but I am hoping for a happy and successful 2018 and wishing you all the same, wherever your path may take you.

Happy new year and a 2014 writer’s wish list

Happy new year! Hard to believe 2014 is here already. I was sick on new year’s eve this year so I’m starting a little late but I’m back in the swing of things now. I hope this will be  the best year yet. I have big plans for you, 2014. All I have to do is make them happen.

And on that note, here is my annual writer’s wish list, updated for 2014.

mp900402202

1. Time

This one always seems to be a given. I wish I had a TARDIS or a time turner to add some more hours to the day. Really what I need is better time management.

2. De-cluttering

It’s amazing how much stuff you accumulate over the years. I’m determined to become better organized this year and get rid of a lot of stuff I don’t need. Like old drafts of chapters I’ve since rewritten and the box of very old drafts 0f my published novel. Yikes. Why am I holding onto those? Nostalgia? Time to meet the recycling/shredding bin.

3. Finish book 2

I know, I was supposed to do this in 2013. It ended up not being a very productive year overall in terms of writing. I’ve found my way now and I have a plan. Should be easy if I can implement the time management of #1 on the list.

4. Read more

I actually read quite a bit (for me) in 2013 and discovered some great books, not necessarily new but new to me. I’m finally on the last book of Stephen King’s Dark Tower series, which is quite an accomplishment considering the length of some of the books. (Don’t ask about GRRM’s ASoIF, still working on those.) I hope to read and blog more about some of the books I’m discovering and enjoying.

5. Blog more

To start, #4 will give me some things to blog about. I will strive to be more consistent in my posting.

6. Success for my writer friends

A number of writer friends were published last year and several are getting close to publication. We all support each other and I wish them many successes for the coming year. Fingers crossed that someone will make the big time!

7. Reconnecting with friends

We all have busy lives and families, but over the years I’ve realized how important friends are in my life. I’m lucky to have a number of friends who go way back. Even though we don’t see each other very often, we have no excuse not to stay in touch. I’ll do my best to make sure that happens.

8. Write every day

A page a day equals a 365-page novel after a year. It should be doable. After all, that’s what we writers do, isn’t it? We write. I need to remember that.

So do you have any resolutions, writing or otherwise, for the new year? Wishing you much success and happiness in whatever your endeavors may be!