So long 2023…

And thanks for the highs and lows.

First of all, Merry Christmas to those who celebrate and Happy Holidays to all!

As I approach 2024, it’s time to look back at my goals for 2023 and… well, it’s had some ups and downs.

I continued to grow as a writer thanks to my awesome critique group. I’ve been posting daily on bookstagram and I’m still having so much fun with that community. I read a ton of awesome books this year and beta read a bit too. Thanks to the authors, publishers, and PR folks who provided ARCs or gifted copies. I don’t think I will ever stop being honored by these opportunities to promote books.

I did not meet all my writing goals this year, but I’m proud that I am officially querying Seeds of Power! I’m putting myself out there!

I put significant work into my Dreamcatcher series, but unfortunately still have a long way to go to make that four-book series successfully tell Lena’s story. I enjoyed my work this year on Red Hour, but still have not finished the first draft. There are whispers in my mind that this standalone novel might be something really special when it’s finally done, so I plan to dedicate more time to it next year. I’m so excited about the new scenes I wrote and the edits I made. I think this book might be shorter, tighter, and have more action than my other books. I love that all my fantasy books have a slightly different voice and feel.

I edited the short story that I wrote last year and improved it, but I still don’t know what I want to do with it. Publish it here on my website so people can get a sample of my style? Save it for a freebie when people join my newsletter (to be launched later)? Submit it to contests? No idea yet! That decision will be a carryover task for 2024.

The arrival of our puppy this fall stalled my writing, editing, and querying a bit, but didn’t completely stop it. And I’m thankful for that low, because it forced me to have some important conversations about everyone’s role in the family and how to share responsibilities. Our work/life balance is now better because of it.

Overall, I am proud of 2023 and look forward to what the future will bring.

Happy almost New Year!