January 1st
will mark a new beginning and a fresh start for us. I am planning what I intend
to do during the new year, but my new year resolutions have only slightly
changed for 2018.
First comes
family needs and concerns.
Second,
seeing to health matters.
After
that I resolve to continue my writing. This I do faithfully beginning early
each morning.
I will
also continue to send my work out to various publishers and publications
regardless of acceptances. Most writers meet with a lot more rejection than
acceptance. In that respect, I am typical. But if writing is something you feel
compelled to do—like me—than you work at it regardless.
One of my
continuing resolutions is striving to improve the quality of my work. With that
in mind, I pay attention to editorial and reader comments. The year 2017 brought
publication of my novella THE BURNING which I intend to continue to publicize
because I feel it’s a meaningful work worthy of being read.
There
were also short stories published in a variety of genres. Two novels are
scheduled for publication in 2018 as well as a number of short stories and some
nonfiction.
I also
intend to continue reading diverse books and writing reviews of those I truly enjoy.
I resolve
to do more landscape painting. I’ve let that go of late.
I confess
housework comes dead last—but it does and will get done, as does shopping and
cooking. All of life’s necessities.
What are
some of your plans or resolutions for the year ahead? Are they the same as last
year or have they changed?
Well, yours are commendable. Mine? I have five more days to figure them out.
ReplyDeleteDrop by then!
DeleteOne of my favorite resolutions was not to complain about the brutal winter weather when I lived in Chicago. I made it through the whole year without complaining, and discovered that I didn't mind the cold nearly so much that year! So New Year's resolutions can be a positive catalyst in our lives, and I try to make the most of them. I like yours, too!
ReplyDeleteMy husband went to college in the Midwest and loved it. But I'm a Jersey girl. Right now, I'm not so thrilled with the cold winter weather--especially when my best friend tells me how great it is down in Florida right now.
DeleteJacquie, you're way ahead of me. I'm not even sure I want to make a list of resolutions--they're liable to nag me for the rest of the year. But I still have a few days to think about it. You're brave.
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with skipping new year resolutions, especially when you like life as it's going along.
DeleteI made one resolution for 2018 that includes many parts: Edit a book I wrote many years but never was published, start book #4 in my Shakespeare in the Vineyard series, finish my new series that I stopped writing when I fell and tore nerves in my right hand, and try to publish a short story. And continue to promote my new book, Vineyard Prey. And read The Burning. Happy New Year, Jacqueline.
ReplyDeleteHi Carole,
DeleteYou have an ambitious and worthy list! And I do hope you read The Burning. I'd love your take on it.
Great list. I don't do resolutions, just goals. Like you family will come first as always. I'll continue to write and promote, and no telling what else. Had many surprises in 2017, probably will in 2018 too.
ReplyDeleteHi Marilyn,
ReplyDeleteYour goals are a lot like my resolution list. Anyway you state them, it's important to give our lives purpose.
Girl, my list can just ditto yours. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks, June. Good hearing from you.
DeleteNot sure yet what my resolution for 2018 will be. They will be different than 2017 when I agree to take part of a post-a-week challenge. And a thought of Jacqueline's? Love housework being last.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with doing a post a week! Not easy. As to housework--I'm just being honest. Don't love it but have to do it. Still dust is patient; it waits for me to get around to it.
DeleteGood list, Jacqueline. I haven't even started thinking of any resolutions, but the sooner I do the sooner I can break them ;-)
ReplyDeletePaul,
DeleteYou've done very well in 2017. Wishing you continued success.
Thanks for sharing your plans for the new year. As usual, you inspire me to get better organized. Clutter is the bane of my existence right now, accumulated, unnecessary junk in our household, my office, and intellectually. Too many books to read, too many to write, never enough time or, sometimes, energy. With. your influence, I began today. Cannot wait another week until the new year. Will report on any possible progress.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good time to cut down on clutter, Sharon.
DeleteGood list. So relieved to see someone else who lists housework dead last. Seriously, shouldn't houses take the hint and stay clean? After a while, it's like trying to teach a pig to sing.
ReplyDeleteMy list is similar to yours. Family, health, and of course, writing is paramount, and like every craft--it continues to improve with practice. Fingers crossed, this is the year I attend my first conference. This Jersey Girl is currently living in SW Florida and Bouchercon is in St. Pete this year.
Let us know if the conference is helpful. Wishing you much success, Kait.
DeleteGreat post Jacqueline. I wish you the Best of luck and God's Blessings in 2018!
ReplyDeletePam, I wish you the same!
DeleteWriting them down is always the first step to achieving them. Thanks for sharing, Jacqueline.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Kathleen. Writing things down, making lists, helps us accomplish them.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I was glad to see you, too, put family and friends first on the list and your health a close second. Those match mine. This year I felt guilty because I didn't write a lot, but then I realized that I lived a lot, which is also very important. So my intention for the next year is to write, to improve my writing and to be kind to myself. Best wishes to you!
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy,
ReplyDeleteActually I believe that living life to its fullest is the best inspiration for writing well. So you were wise.