January 1st
marks a new beginning and a fresh start. Yesterday, New Year’s Eve, I was
feeling somewhat nostalgic. It was my mother’s birthday which we always
celebrated with ice cream cake. In our family no birthday was complete without
an ice cream cake. Although my parents are long deceased, I have good memories
of those times. I finished reading a novel by Robyn Carr entitled THE LIFE SHE
WANTS. Nothing like a good book to cheer flagging spirits!
Today I
begin planning what I intend to do during the new year. A fresh start?
First, as
always, 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 2016 was a
relatively good one for work. Two of my novels were published: THE KILLING LAND
by Five Star/Cengage, a hardcover Western romantic thriller, and
THE
INHERITANCE by Intrigue Publishing, a romantic mystery. There were also quite a
few short stories published in a variety
of genres.
I also
intend to continue reading diverse books and writing reviews of those I truly
enjoy.
I resolve
to do more landscape painting.
I confess
housework comes dead last—but it does and will get done, as does shopping and
cooking. All life’s necessities.
I would
like to do some traveling as well in this new year, go places I have never been
before.
What are
some of your plans or resolutions for the year ahead?
Jacquie, I had to laugh as I read your blog because mine just went live and the topic is very similar.
ReplyDeleteI gave up making resolutions years ago. Instead, I set goals. I even have a little spiral notebook to write them in. Writing them down helps to keep me focused.
Happy New Year!
Hi Pat,
ReplyDeleteI guess we're on the same wave length.
Sounds like you've got a great year ahead.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Jacquie!
Here's wishing you the biggest and best of God's blessings in 2017
PamT
Pam,
ReplyDeleteWishing you much success, health and happiness in the coming year!
Your goals are roughly the same as the ones I am making, except I think I'll be painting dog pictures rather than landscapes and I think I might try independently publishing a book...that is if I ever get it finished. Here's to a great year, Jacquie, and to many more books and short stories written by you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maris. I did one painting of a dog for one of my granddaughters at her request. I enjoyed it.
DeleteIt seems you had a good year last year and are on track to have another one this year. My goals are similar to yours--family, health, writing, and the other things that make life worthwhile, such as enjoying friends, volunteering for organizations I admire, and the like. I hope 2017 is a good year for all of us. (We can definitely use it.)
ReplyDeleteI'm making the same wish--a good year for us all!
DeleteHi Jacqueline. Happy for you that you had a good year and are looking forward to 2017 with solid goals in mind. I like setting goals that are achievable. This year I want to try and increase my daily word-count so I can have my weekends free. I am lucky enough to be able to write fulltime, but 7 days a week isn't exactly a healthy life balance! Sending you all good things for 2017. Best, Anni xx
ReplyDeleteHi Anni,
DeleteLike you, I can write fulltime nowadays. I'm retired from teaching, a job I loved, but am happy to be able to write. Of course, I don't always feel inspired, but I do think it's important to write regularly. Part of being a good writer is to interact with other people and that does provide inspiration.
My goals are similar except for the painting. I see the pictures in my head but can't get them out. This has caused frustration since I was a little kid. LOL I guess that's why I write. I must get back to my writing this year. I've been letting it go too long. Wishing you all a great year.
ReplyDeleteHi Pat,
DeleteGood luck with your writing in the coming year!
I am with you about housework! I like your plans. I have a list of specifics and one list of general things. I don't add lose weight, but I do add activities I won't dead but should help. I don't do well with feeling deprived, so I work in small increments/small steps.
ReplyDeleteSmall steps are best. It means you keep to your goals. Have a great year!
DeleteThank you for your input, Hai.
ReplyDelete