For 2023, I decided to set definitive goals instead of resolutions. In my middle grade newsletter earlier today, I discussed my family goals. But I also had personal and professional goals.
So how did they measure up?
Well, one goal was to exercise daily. And, for a while, I met that goal. However, I didn't anticipate being set back by health issues. Don't get me wrong. I'm not making excuses. I am just realizing that there will be days where I will be too unwell to exercise. So my goal for this year will be to exercise at least twice a week. My stretch goal will be to lose weight and be in shape enough to run in the Halloween 5K.
I wanted to attend three author fairs in 2023. Not only did I meet that goal, I attended four of them! And I had a lot of fun doing so. Unfortunately, I did not see the sales I was hoping for. As a result, I have decided to take a year off from live events to focus more on my writing and publishing (see my next goals).
Another 2023 goal was to publish three books. One or two of them were in my Hartfield Chronicles series. Unfortunately, I put those aside to work on other projects. However, I did publish two books and a short story, finally launching my middle grade penname. In the upcoming year, I'm hoping to publish books 2-5 of Hartfield Chronicles, redesigning the cover of the first book to match the new feeling of the series. I'm also hoping to publish the picture book I co-wrote with my daughter.
I was hoping to find an agent for my new murder mystery series in 2023. Unfortunately, none of the agents on my list shared my vision for this series. I have decided to shelve the series for now and take a few older ones off the shelf.
I have a long list of stories to write, but my creativity is somewhat lacking at the moment. My goal is to focus on my middle-grade ones this year, finishing both series.
I have one more goal for 2024, although it's not really my goal. I am currently editing a novel written by someone close to me. I am hoping to finish editing that project so we can publish it by the summer.
How about you?
Ashleigh's Reading Challenge
Some of our readers have met their goal.
As we head into the new year, I would like to know who would be interested in doing a new challenge in 2024?
Hartfield Chronicles
Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life.
Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal.
New episodes are published every Wednesday.
Free Books
Castle Siege A dark fantasy tale
A royal court trapped by an invading army...
Moorkvegg Castle has been under siege from an invading army for days following the murder of the king and queen. The remaining Graunkrake family members and their court sorcerer think up a drastic course of action to save themselves while the invading army continues their attack.
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Other Books on Sale
Elephant on My Chest
He's the vile boy next door. Who also knows her biggest secret.
Sixteen-year-old Izzy is excited about the all-school ski trip. She is looking forward to learning to ski, even if she will be the only one on the bunny hill. Of course, she has to first make it through a five-hour bus ride with the vilest—albeit cutest—boy in school. And survive the roommates who keep breaking her one rule: "No sleeping with your boyfriend in my bed!"
When an unexpected power outage triggers a panic attack, Izzy is forced to tell Pug her biggest secret. She's even more surprised to learn his, spending the rest of the long weekend looking at her enemy in a new light.
But their secrets are nothing compared to the one Izzy's mother has been keeping for sixteen years. When Izzy discovers the truth, she must learn to confront her panic disorder or else live with the elephant sitting on her chest.
Warning: This book describes panic attacks. If this will trigger you, this book may not be for you.
