2022 is ending and for the first time since I began self-publishing, I didn't write as many books as I'd set up as my goal.
To say this year was a failure doesn't fit.
But I can say, I have never had such a disjointed year since becoming an author as I did in 2022.
I started out with the goal of writing 2 Gabriel Hawke books and 2 Spotted Pony Casino books and my short story for the Crime Never Takes a Holiday anthology. I also planned a research trip to Montana and my usual two book-selling trips to Sumpter OR Flea Market.
What I didn't factor in was having our high school graduating granddaughter living with us. She participated in volleyball and track. I went to all her games and meets.
My monthly trips to visit my dad stopped in May, when he passed.
Then a trip to CA to attend a memorial for one of my mom's cousins, a family we were close with when my brothers and I were young.
And I needed to make two trips to the coast, one to get a writing project done and the other to spend time with family, not to mention a family reunion and my dad's memorial thrown in the mix.
Then as fall approached and I thought, "Now I can settle in and get writing done," I signed up to help sell books at events 6 hours from where I live. That meant a day to get there, however many days I helped at the events, and a day home. No writing.
I just last week finished a book that was to be published by now. Now it won't be published until January. which starts 2023 off already behind on my "perceived" schedule.
The good thing about being self-published is that I set my publishing dates. So the only person I'm disappointing is myself. And I do a really good job of beating myself up.
So, knowing already that I plan to attend the Sumpter Flea, several of the NIWA book events, my book tour with Dwight Holing in May, two weeks in Hawaii with two of my best friends in August, and a trip to Alaska to attend a grandson's graduation, I have pared back my usual expectations for 2023 goals.
I don't want to feel like I'm behind most of the year like I did all of 2022. I would like some wiggle room to work on another project I hinted at to some readers and they were very receptive. When I see an opening in my schedule to work on the project, I'll tell you more about it.
For now, I just want to say, I wish you all a wonderful Holiday Season and a prosperous and happy New Year!
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5 comments:
Paty, life does throw us a few curve balls every now and then. I think your 2023 goals are going to be spot on because you've some fun and fantastic activities planned. I hope to see you at at least a few of the NIWA events. That will depend on whether life has any curve balls for me next year.
Judith, I thought when the kids were gone and I had time to just write, I would have lots of time for other things, but apparently, I don't. LOL I want to live life while I can and that's what I intend to do. I would love to see you at a NIWA event or any event. ;) It's been a long time since we've met in person.
Thank you, Diana. You have a wonderful Christmas as well!
I just read your post, Paty. 2022 was definitely a year when life took a few detours. But you still got a lot done in your writing career and in your family life. Good for you, and best wishes for 2023.
Thanks, Lynn!
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