HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Mine was uneventful and quiet. I was Sick over Thanksgiving, and my son’s family was sick throughout December and through New Years. So, we finally celebrated Christmas on Saturday. WooHoo!
On to goals—
Some people don’t like setting goals because they feel it to be too confining and too much pressure. For me, they help me focus, and I have something to aim for. Like the old saying goes, Shoot for the stars (or moon). You might not make it there, but you will soar higher than if you had never tried. (I couldn’t find a specific author for this variation, but it’s close to Norman Vincent Peale’s quote “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” So, I guess this version is mine, Mary Davis.)
Each goal should have the caveat attached to the end . . . “Stated goal” or something better.
So, how did I do on my 2025 goals? I’m partially pleased. Here is a quick recap.
2025 GOALS
~~Complete time travel proposal.
I did get this goal completed and my agent is shopping it around.
~~Edit Deep Breath (Time Travel book 2).
Nope. I can’t edit what isn’t written.
~~Write 50,000-ish plus words.
I didn’t reach this one either.
~~Participate in NaNoWriMo & Camp NaNoWriMo, as usual.
I did participate in CampNaNoWriMo, but the organization closed their doors be the November event, so I didn’t participate in the NaNoWriMo. Hence the reason I didn’t reach the previous goal.
~~Plot Flash Forward (Time Travel book 3).
Since I didn’t get to Book 2, I haven’t plotted Book 3 yet.
~~Write rough draft of Flash Forward.
No plotting, no writing, so this was a bust.
~~Re-release 3+ backlist books.
I re-released a collection with three other authors, but that was all.
~~Complete HHH Posts by the 10th of each month.
I did complete this goal and even got ahead.
~~Complete one or more additional proposals.
Nope. This one didn’t happen
Non-writing goals:
~~I will Do a Bible study on Prayer.
I did do this and hope to have a better prayer life.
So I reached 1 + 1 + 1 + 1/2 + 1/3 = 3.83 of my 10 goals. I was having a hard time focusing this first full year without my husband. So, I’m pleased with what I was actually able to accomplish. I’m calling it a win
My word for 2025 was Recover.
I think I did do some recovering.
On to 2026 GOALS
~~Write 50,000-ish plus words. I need at least this amount to reach some of my other goals.
~~Complete The Other Side of Yesterday (Time Travel book 1). My agent asked me to up the word count on this one, so I’ve been working on it. I’m hoping to finish that by the end of January or middle of February.
~~Expand Deep Breath (Time Travel book 2) to the final word count of book 1.
~~Edit Deep Breath.
~~Plot Flash Forward (Time Travel book 3).
~~Rerelease 3+ backlist books. I want to reach for this goal again. I have the rights back to many of my books and want to re-release them. First, I need to figure out how to create covers using AI or something else.
~~Complete HHH Posts by the 10th of each month. I’m going to try to get a few months ahead again.
~~~Finish rough draft of The Shopkeeper’s Dilemma. This is in my Quilting Circle series. There are a few other characters that I want to tell their stories. This is one of them
Non-writing goals:
~~This year I’m going to do a study on the will of God. I bought a book on it and plan to see how it goes.
~~I will trying to get regular exercise by walking my dog
And finally, I will Continue to go through boxes.
. . . OR SOMETHING BETTER
My word for 2026 is Clarity.
Do you have a word for 2026?
I hope you all are successful in meeting your goals in 2026. =0)
And I pray this year is happy and healthy, and may you find joy in the little things. =0)
For more information on how to set achievable, measurable, and controllable goals, you can reference my blog post on it HERE.
[[[ https://marydavisbooks.blogspot.com/2019/12/tuesday-tidbits-2020-goal-setting.html ]]]
Monday, January 12, 2026
WRITING GOALS: 2025 RECAP & 2026 GOALS
Monday, January 13, 2025
Tuesday Tidbits: Writing Goals: 2024 Recap & 2025 Goals
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Mine was good. My daughter and son-in-law flew in and my son and two of the three grandkiddos were here for Christmas Day. Though a bit chaotic, it was wonderful to have them here.
On to goals—
Some people don’t like setting goals because they feel too confining and too much pressure. For me, they help me focus, and I have something to aim for. Like the old saying goes, Shoot for the stars (or moon). You might not make it there, but you will soar higher than if you had never tried. (I couldn’t find a specific author for this variation, but it’s close to Norman Vincent Peale’s quote “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” So, I guess this version is mine, Mary Davis.)
Each goal should have the caveat attached to the end . . . “Stated goal” or something better.
So, how did I do on my 2024 goals? Overall, I’m pleased. Here is a quick recap.
2024 Goals
~~ I will Publish 1st-Cousin-Once-Removed Mary Linn’s Novel with or without a photo of her.
I, finally, did get this published in November of 2024. Yay! It’s titled Unpuzzling the Past. Mary’s sister Sarah is thrilled.
eBook https://books2read.com/u/bpkj6l
Paperback https://www.amazon.com/Unpuzzling-Past-Mary-L-Chase/dp/B0DM48K26X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
~~ I will Write 100,000-ish words or more.
I did manage to eek out 100,050 words.
~~ I WILL Finish Writing Silver Bells, a Christmas Novella.
I finished it and ran it through my critique group.
~~ I will write a rough draft of book 3 in my time travel series.
I did not get it written. However, I started an additional book in my Quilting Circle series.
~~ I will Participate in NaNoWriMo in November.
I participated but didn’t reach 50,000 words. Other life things came up, but I did get 15,000 words written. I also participated in CampNaNoWriMo in April and July.
~~ I will Complete a Proposal.
This didn’t happen.
~~ I will Complete HHH Posts by the 10th of Each Month.
I made this one and was actually several months ahead when my husband passed away, so I didn’t have to worry about writing them until after the first of the year. Now, I need to get back to them.
Non-writing goals:
~~I will Do a Bible study on the book of Revelation and one on the Holy Spirit.
I met these two goals.
~~I will Continue trying to get regular exercise by walking or by running up and down the stairs as well as continuing Intermittent Fasting. Yep.
And finally, I will Continue to go through boxes. Yep, but I still have many, many to go.
On to 2025 Goals
~~Complete time travel proposal. I’m determined to get this done this year and sent off to my agent.
~~Edit Deep Breath (Time Travel book 2).
~~Write 50,000-ish plus words. Because I need to figure out AI book covers so I can re-release some of my backlist, I cut back on word count for this year.
~~Participate in NaNoWriMo & Camp NaNoWriMo, as usual. This is the same as previous years. NaNoWriMo stands for NAtional NOvel WRIting MOnth. Each year in November, thousands of writers all over the world make a mad dash to write 50,000 words in 30 days. My goal says “participate” not win. If I write 50,000 words or less than 50,000 words, I can still meet this goal by participating. CampNaNoWriMo in April and July are low pressure because you set your own goal, and a lot of fun. A good way to get started with NaNoWriMo.
~~Plot Flash Forward (Time Travel book 3).
~~Write rough draft of Flash Forward. I’m hoping to do this for NaNoWriMo in November.
~~Rerelease 3+ backlist books. I have the rights back to many of my books and want to re-release them. First, I need to figure out how to create covers using AI.
~~Complete HHH Posts by the 10th of each month.
~~Complete one or more additional proposals. I don’t know for what, but I have all year to figure that out.
Non-writing goals:
~~I will Do a Bible study on Prayer. I bought four books on prayer and plan to go through each one to improve my prayer life.
. . . OR SOMETHING BETTER.
My word for 2025 is Recover.
Do you have a word for 2025?
I hope you all are successful in meeting your goals in 2025. =0)
And I pray this year is happy and healthy, and may you find joy in the little things. =0)
For more information on how to set achievable, measurable, and controllable goals, you can reference my blog post on it HERE or click the link https://marydavisbooks.blogspot.com/2019/12/tuesday-tidbits-2020-goal-setting.html
1990s Cozy Mystery
Written by Mary L. Chase, Edited By Mary Davis
When secrets and lies are uncovered, will Mar be able to put the pieces together to learn the truth? A year after her mom’s death, Margaret “Mar” Ross discovers the proverbial skeleton in the closet. Most families have a secret or two. Some are best left in the dark. Others need to be brought into the light of day to heal old wounds. With the help of her best friend, a lawyer, and a handsome doctor, Mar is determined to hunt down all the facts. When she does, will she find what she’s searching for? Or should she let this puzzle R.I.P.?
https://books2read.com/u/bpkj6l
Monday, January 8, 2024
Tuesday Tidbits: Writing Goals: 2023 Recap & 2024 Goals
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Mine was great. Our daughter and son-in-law flew in and our son, daughter-in-law, and three grandkiddos were all here for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Though a bit chaotic with so many in our little house, it was so wonderful to have everyone together for Christmas for the first time in eight years.
On to goals—
Some people don’t like setting goals because they feel too confining and too much pressure. For me, they help me focus, and I have something to aim for. Like the old saying goes, Shoot for the stars (or moon). You might not make it there, but you will soar higher than if you had never tried. (I couldn’t find a specific author for this variation, but it’s close to Norman Vincent Peale’s quote “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” So, I guess this version is mine, Mary Davis.)
Each goal should have the caveat attached to the end . . . “Stated goal” or something better.
So, how did I do on my 2023 goals? Overall, I’m pleased. Here is a quick recap.
2023 Goals
~~ I will Proofread & Publish 1st-Cousin-Once-Removed Mary Linn’s Novel.
I proofread and polished this, but I didn’t get it published. I’m waiting on a photo of Mary Linn from her sister. I could have published without it, but I really want her picture with her bio. So, I’ll wait little longer.
~~ I will Write 100,000-ish words or more.
I didn’t quite reach this one with moving, trying to unpack, and playing with my grandchildren. However, I’m pleased to have written 85,151, which includes a 50k rough draft of book 2 in my time travel series. Playing with grands was the something better. =0)
~~ I will Finish Writing Silver Bells, a Christmas Novella.
Nope, 2023 was again not my year to finally complete this novella. But I’m more hopeful for 2024.
~~ I will Participate in NaNoWriMo in November.
I met this goal, writing over 50k, and also participated in CampNaNoWriMo in April and July.
~~ I will Complete a Proposal.
I didn’t complete a proposal with moving and changing agents, because mine had to step away from being an agent due to family stuff.
~~ I will Complete HHH Posts by the 10th of Each Month.
I met this one.
Non-writing goals:
~~I will Read Through the Bible in 2023.
I met this goal early, December 4th. Quite an accomplishment for this dyslexic gal.
~~I will Continue trying to get regular exercise by walking or running up and down the stairs as well as continuing Intermittent Fasting.
I met this goal.
My goal to move closer to my son and grandchildren is a reality, and I’m loving it! However, my related goal to go through all the boxes did not happen. It has turned out to be an overwhelming task. But at least the upstairs is looking respectable.
My word of the year was the prefix: “Re”. Rework. Republish. Re-edit. Rewrite. Reuse. Recycle. Repurpose. Reimagine. Revisit. Recharge. Relax. And other “re” words. I think I hit about half of them. Unpacking boxes, making the main level livable, and spending time with my son and grands took precedence.
On to 2024 Goals
~~ I will Publish 1st-Cousin-Once-Removed Mary Linn’s Novel with or without a photo of her.
I want to get this published even if I have to do it without the photo. Now that the holidays are over, I’ll contact her sister for the photo. She’s having trouble figuring out how to send it.
~~ I will Write 100,000-ish words or more.
I’m working on my Christmas novella and want to write a rough draft of book 3 in my time travel series this year. Then maybe I can get back to the treasure hunting series I didn’t finish. After that there are so many unfinished novels and novellas that I have proposed over the years that I would like to revisit. It will be hard to choose, but I might get back to additional books in my Quilting Circle series. Time will tell.
~~ I WILL Finish Writing Silver Bells, a Christmas Novella.
I’m going to take this to my critique group this year, so hopefully that will keep me working on it.
~~ I will Participate in NaNoWriMo in November.
This is the same as last year. NaNoWriMo stands for NAtional NOvel WRIting MOnth. Each year in November, thousands of writers all over the world make a mad dash to write 50,000 words in 30 days. My goal says “participate” not win. If I write 50,000 words or less than 50,000 words, I can still meet this goal by participating. I will also participate in CampNaNoWriMo in April and July. By setting your own goal, those are low pressure and a lot of fun. A good way to get started with NaNoWriMo.
~~ I will Complete a Proposal.
I need to finish up my time travel series proposal, then I want to take another look at my bride series proposal to see if I want to finish it up. Then look at completing another proposal. So hopefully 3 proposals this year, but at least one.
~~ I will Complete HHH Posts by the 10th of Each Month.
I want to continue this one. I contribute to the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog (HHH) once a month on the 23rd. It’s a lot less stressful to have posts completed early. Right now, I’m actually a few months ahead and would like to continue to be.
Non-writing goals:
~~I will Do a Bible study on the book of Revelation and one on the Holy Spirit.
I had thought for most of 2023 that I would read through the Bible again this year, but there are these two Bible studies that are niggling at my heart to do.
~~I will Continue trying to get regular exercise by walking or by running up and down the stairs as well as continuing Intermittent Fasting.
And finally, I will Continue to go through boxes. It has been an overwhelming task. I want to get my craft room put together and arranged so I can start using it. It is still a heap of boxes. I’m itching to get down there and create.
My word for 2024? I don’t always do this, but I have a few times. I was thinking I wouldn’t have one in 2024, but then I did. This year, it didn’t come in a rush or hit me all at once. It sort of slowly crept in and whispered to me from a distance. My word is Release. I have no clue what that will entail. It could be one or more things I need to release (I have many) or something I will be released from. Perhaps even a new book release. Whatever it may be, I look forward to seeing how the Lord will work this into my life in 2024.
Do you have a word for 2024?
I hope you all are successful in meeting your goals in 2024. =0)
And I pray this year is happy and healthy, and may you find joy in the little things. =0)
For more information on how to set achievable, measurable, and controllable goals, you can reference my blog post on it HERE.
THE QUILTING CIRCLE SERIES Box Set
Historical Romance Series
By Mary Davis
THE WIDOW’S PLIGHT (Book1) – Will a secret clouding a single mother’s past cost Lily her loved ones?
THE DAUGHTER’S PREDICAMENT (Book2) *SELAH & WRMA Finalist* – As Isabelle’s romance prospects turn in her favor, a family scandal derails her dreams.
THE DAMSEL’S INTENT (Book3) *SELAH Winner* – Nicole heads down the mountain to fetch herself a husband. Can she learn to be enough of a lady to snag the handsome rancher?
THE DÉBUTANTE’S SECRET (Book4) – Complications arise when a fancy French lady steps off the train and into Deputy Montana’s arms.
Mary lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of thirty-seven years and one cat. She has three adult children and three incredibly adorable grandchildren. Find her online at: Books2Read Newsletter Blog FB FB Readers Group Amazon GoodReads BookBub
Monday, April 3, 2023
Tuesday Tidbits: IT’S NEVER TOO LATE
Writing Goals:
2022 Recap, 2023 Goals, & Update
I know this is three months late, but it’s never too late to set goals for the year. But first, how did I do on my 2022 goals? Overall, I’m pleased. Here is a quick recap.
~~ I will Read & Edit 1st-Cousin-Once-Removed Mary Linn’s Novel.
I got this read and edited, but I ran out of time to finish the proofread.
~~ I will Write 100,000-ish words.
I wrote 125,018 words. WooHoo!
~~ I will Finish Writing Silver Bells, a Christmas Novella.
I worked on this but haven’t finished it yet. 2023 is another year and my chance to finish it.
~~ I will Participate in NaNoWriMo in November.
I participated and wrote over 25k words. I’m pleased with that. I also participated in CampNaNoWriMo in April and July.
~~ I will Complete a Proposal.
I completed an Amish proposal that hasn’t been picked up yet.
~~ I will Complete HHH Posts by the 10th of Each Month.
I did that.
~~ I will Post/Market 1 or More Books in FB Groups Each Week.
I averaged this over the year.
~~Two of my non-writing goals were, I will Walk 20 Minutes 3 Times a Week or More.
I met this goal.
~~I will Continue Intermittent Fasting
I did this and lost a few more pounds.
Here are some of my 2023 Goals.
I won’t bore you with all of them. I set not only big goals but small ones as well.
~~ I will Proofread & Publish 1st-Cousin-Once-Removed Mary Linn’s Novel.
I got this read and edited, but I ran out of time to finish the proofread. This is the novel I received a copy of and permission to edit and publish. It was written in the 1990s by my 1st cousin once removed Mary Linn. She has since passed away and her sister, Sarah, had a copy of it sitting in her garage. Sarah didn’t want it to be discarded some years down the road when no one would know what it was or who wrote it. So, she passed it on to me to do with it whatever I want.
~~ I will Write 100,000-ish words or more.
I’m working on a treasure hunting series. And would like to get the first two stories finished so I can work on self-publishing them. I also want to finish that Christmas novella. After that there are so many unfinished novels and novellas that I have proposed over the years that I would like to revisit. It will be hard to choose.
~~ I will Finish Writing Silver Bells, a Christmas Novella.
Hopefully, 2023 will be my year to finally complete this novella. I’ll keep trying until I get this one done.
~~ I will Participate in NaNoWriMo in November.
This is the same as last year. NaNoWriMo stands for NAtional NOvel WRIting MOnth. Each year in November, thousands of writers all over the world make a mad dash to write 50,000 words in 30 days. My goal says “participate” not win. If I write 50,000 words or less than 50,000 words, I can still meet this goal by participating. I will also participate in CampNaNoWriMo in April and July. By setting your own goal, those are low pressure and a lot of fun. A good way to get started with NaNoWriMo. I have already gotten started on CampNaNo this month.
~~ I will Complete a Proposal.
I have a bride series proposal I want to finish and get to my agent to shop around.
~~ I will Complete HHH Posts by the 10th of Each Month.
I want to continue this one. I contribute to the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog (HHH) once a month. It’s a lot less stressful to have posts completed early.
Non-writing goals:
~~I will Read Through the Bible in 2023.
I have always wanted to do this, but being dyslexic, it always seemed impossible for this slow reader. I tried several times to follow one of the “Read the Bible in a Year” outlines, where it tells you what chapters of what books to read. Jumping around from book to book, reading this and that fried my brain. And that’s coming from a random brain person who sees no need to write a story in order as long as it’s in order by the time I finish.
So, I’m going to read the books in order, chapter by chapter. (I’m enjoying that so far.) I divided the number of pages in my Bible by 365, giving me the number of pages I need to read each day. So far, so good. I started January 1st, and I’m actually 16 pages ahead of schedule, as I error on the side of a little bit more than a little less, which is adding up.
~~I will Continue trying to get regular exercise by walking or running up and down the stairs as well as continuing Intermittent Fasting.
And finally, a goal (this is the update) I had and completed already is to move closer to my son and grandchildren. The first three months of this year we packed up and traveled over 1,200 miles. That’s why I didn’t get my goals written out and sent in a post yet. A related goal, is to go through all the boxes. I don’t know if I’ll get through them all, but I want to try to get through as many as possible.
One last thing is my word of the year. I don’t always do this, but I have a couple of times. So, my word for 2023 isn’t really a word but a prefix: “Re”. Rework. Republish. Re-edit. Rewrite. Reuse. Recycle. Repurpose. Reimagine. Revisit. Recharge. Relax. And other “Re” words. Do you have a word for 2023?
I hope you all are successful in meeting your goals in 2023. It’s never too late to set them. =0)
And I pray this year is happy and healthy, and may you find joy in the little things. =0)
MRS. WITHERSPOON GOES TO WAR (Heroines of WWII series)
***2023 SELAH Award Finalist***
A WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) flies a secret mission to rescue three soldiers held captive in Cuba.
Margaret “Peggy” Witherspoon is a thirty-four-year-old widow, mother of two daughters, an excellent pilot, and very patriotic. She joins the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots). As she performs various tasks like ferry aircraft, transporting cargo, and being an airplane mechanic, she meets and develops feelings for her supervisor Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg. When Peggy learns of U.S. soldiers being held captive in Cuba, she, Major Berg, and two fellow WASPs devise an unsanctioned mission to rescue them. With Cuba being an ally in the war, they must be careful not to ignite an international incident.
Order HERE!
THE LADY’S MISSION (Quilting Circle 5)
***2023 SELAH Award Finalist***
Will Cordelia abandon her calling for
love?
Cordelia
Armstrong wants nothing more than to escape the social norms for her station in
society. Unless she can skillfully maneuver her father into giving up control
of her trust fund, she might have to concede defeat—as well as her freedom—and
marry. Every time Lamar Kesner finds a fascinating lady, her heart belongs to
another. When a vapid socialite is offered up as a prospective bride, he
contemplates flying off in his hot air balloon instead. Is Lamar the one to
finally break the determination of Cordelia’s parents to marry her off? Or will
this charming bachelor fly away with her heart?
Available for order on Amazon..
Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Tuesday Tidbits: WRITING GOALS: 2021 RECAP & 2022 GOALS
It’s time for me to set my 2022 goals. But first, how did I do on my 2021 goals? Overall, I’m pleased with the goals I met. Here is a quick recap.
~~ I will Finish Writing Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War Novel.
I did finish writing it. It will be released in less than a month on February 1st. This is a historical romance WWII novel about a WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots who goes on an unsanctioned rescue mission.
~~ I will Finish Writing Quilting Circle book 5, The Lady’s Mission.
I did finish The Lady’s Mission. It releases in October 2022.
~~ I will Read & Edit 1st-Cousin-Once-Removed Mary Linn’s Novel.
Nope. I wasn’t able to get to this one. I kept trying and trying, but contracted work needed to come first. I’m disappointed I didn’t get to this, but I’m putting it high on my list for 2022.
~~ I will Participate in NaNoWriMo in November.
I did participate, but I also knew I wouldn’t be shooting for the full 50K. I did manage 15K, which was what I was shooting for as I was editing as well. I also participated in CampNaNoWriMo in April and July, completing 10K each of those months.
~~ I will Complete the ENGLISCHER COURTSHIP series proposal.
I did get that completed, but no contract on that one.
~~ I will Complete HHH Posts by the 10th of Each Month.
I contribute to the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog (HHH) once a month. Only 2 month I didn’t get mine finished until the 12th & 16th. And 3 months I had them done the month before and one 2 months before. That was really nice. I’m hoping to get some done farther in advance again in 2022.
~~ I will Post/Market 1 or More Books in FB Groups Each Week.
Nope. I’m so bad at marketing. I would do well for a few months even posting more than once a week, then nothing for a few months.
~~ One of my non-writing goals was to Walk 20 Minutes 3 Times a Week or More.
Eh. I more or less met this one. Some weeks it was more and others it was less.
Here are some of my 2022 Goals.
I won’t bore you with all of them, because they are many. I set not only big goals but small ones as well. Most of my goals are writing ones as I only have myself to keep me on task and on target. It’s a little harder to decide what projects to work on since I have completed my contracted books.
Here we go!
~~ I will Read & Edit 1st-Cousin-Once-Removed Mary Linn’s Novel.
Since I didn’t get to this one last year, I want to get to it early this year. I received a copy and permission to edit and publish this book written in the 1990s by my 1st cousin once removed Mary Linn. She has since passed away and her sister, Sarah, had a copy of it sitting in her garage. Sarah didn’t want it to be discarded some years down the road when no one would know what it was or who wrote it. So, she passed it on to me to with it whatever I want. I haven’t read it yet, so I have no idea what the story is about. I think it will be a fun discovery.
~~ I will Write 100,000-ish words.
Since I have no contracts at the present moment, I am free to work on various personal projects. So this 100K can be in the form of a long novel, a couple of short novels, and any number of novellas, or a combination of any of those.
~~ I will Finish Writing Silver Bells, a Christmas Novella.
I’ve been wanting to complete this novella for a long time. This my chance.
~~ I will Participate in NaNoWriMo in November.
This is the same as last year. NaNoWriMo stands for NAtional NOvel WRIting MOnth. Each year in November, thousands of writers all over the world make a mad dash to write 50,000 words in 30 days. That’s a lot of words and there’s a bit of a holiday in there, but it can be done. I’ve won some years and haven’t others. Notice my goal says “participate” not win. If I write 50,000 words or less than 50,000 words, I can still meet this goal by participating. In 2020, I wrote the 50k rough words for my first goal, Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War. This set me up for less stress to get it completed before the deadline.
On a similar note, I also plan to participate in CampNaNoWriMo in April and July. By setting your own goal, those are low pressure and a lot of fun. A good way to get started with NaNoWriMo.
~~ I will Complete a Proposal.
I have no clue what proposal this will be, but it would be good for me to get one or more sent out.
~~ I will Complete HHH Posts by the 10th of Each Month.
I want to continue this one. I contribute to the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog (HHH) once a month. I did manage to schedule my post before the 10th most of the time in 2021, and it was a lot less stressful.
~~ I will Post/Market 1 or More Books in FB Groups Each Week.
I’m not sure I why I bother with this one, but I do need to keep up with marketing. I have a secret for 2022 to meet this goal. I’m hiring a virtual assistant (my awesome daughter) to do this for me as well as various other tasks so I can focus on writing stories.
~~Two of my non-writing goals are, I will Walk 20 Minutes 3 Times a Week or More.
I listed this one last year and the year before but want to continue to aim for this, even if I don’t always succeed. As an author, I do a LOT of sitting. I keep telling myself, that I’ll walk, but before I know it, the sun has set and I’ve hardly moved. NOT GOOD. I chose 3 days a week, even though I want it to be more, because I figure that even on a busy week or if something else comes up, I can still succeed. Right? I also count shopping, because walking is walking whether it’s outside, in the grocery store, a craft store, or in a thrift store.
~~I will Continue Intermitten Fasting
Part way through 2021, I jumped in to Intermitten Fasting. I am nearly 23 pounds healthier. =0) I would like to continue this trend for another 25-30 pounds. I haven’t been doing so great lately and gained a couple back.
I hope you all are successful in meeting your goals in 2022. =0)
I hope your 2022 is happy and healthy, and may you find joy in the little things. =0)
***COMING FEBRUARY 2022!***
MRS. WITHERSPOON GOES TO WAR (Heroines of WWII series)
A WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) flies a secret mission to rescue three soldiers held captive in Cuba.
Margaret “Peggy” Witherspoon is a thirty-four-year-old widow, mother of two daughters, an excellent pilot, and very patriotic. She joins the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots). As she performs various tasks like ferry aircraft, transporting cargo, and being an airplane mechanic, she meets and develops feelings for her supervisor Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg. When Peggy learns of U.S. soldiers being held captive in Cuba, she, Major Berg, and two fellow WASPs devise an unsanctioned mission to rescue them. With Cuba being an ally in the war, they must be careful not to ignite an international incident.
Pre-Order HERE!Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Tuesday Tidbits: 2021 WRITING GOALS
It’s time for me to set my 2021 goals. I won’t bore you with all of them, because they are many. I set not only big goals but small ones as well. Most of my goals are writing ones as I only have myself to keep me on task and on target.
Here we go!
~~ I will Finish Writing Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War Novel.
The deadline for this novel is July 1, 2021, so I must finish it. I have 50k (really rough draft) of the 75-80k the completed novel needs to be. This is a historical romance WWII novel about a WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots). Peggy is a WASP ferrying military aircraft stateside. She overhears the plight of three soldiers held by rebels in a remote part of Cuba. When no mission is planned to retrieve them, Peggy and her gal pal pilots set out to rescue them against orders.
~~ I will Finish Writing Quilting Circle book 5, The Lady’s Mission.
This novel is due to my publisher in the second half of 2021, so I must finish it. I have 5k of the 83-85k the completed novel needs to be. Last year, this novel was an alternate for one of my goals. I had it titled The Benefactress’s Mission but have changed it to The Lady’s Mission. That is so much easier to say.
~~ I will Read & Edit 1st-Cousin-Once-Removed Mary Linn’s Novel.
I received a copy and permission to edit and publish this book written in the 90s by my 1st cousin once removed Mary Linn. She has since passed away and her sister, Sarah, had a copy of it sitting in her garage. Sarah didn’t want it to be discarded some years down the road when no one would know what it was or who wrote it. So, she passed it on to me to with it whatever I want. I haven’t read it yet, so I have no idea what the story is about. I think it will be a fun discovery.
~~ I will Participate in NaNoWriMo in November.
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. Each year in November, thousands of writers all over the world make a mad dash to write 50,000 words in 30 days. That’s a lot of words and there’s a bit of a holiday in there, but it can be done. I’ve won some years and haven’t others. Notice my goal says “participate” not win. If I write 50,000 words or less than 50,000 words, I can still meet this goal by participating. In 2020, I wrote the 50k rough words for my first goal, Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War. This sets me up for less stress to get it completed before the deadline.
On a similar note, I also plan to participate in CampNaNoWriMo in April and July. By setting your own goal, those are low pressure and a lot of fun. A good way to get started with NaNoWriMo.
~~ I will Complete the ENGLISCHER COURTSHIP series proposal.
This proposal has been up and down. I was about to start it and then life happened. I was going to start it again, but I couldn’t quite fit it into my writing schedule. Then last year, I reworked what little I had started and reworked the idea for a different publisher than I had originally thought it for. That publisher passed, so now I’m going to rework it to fit with the original publisher. I need to get this one completed in January. Depending on the exact deadline for The Lady’s Mission, I’ll see if book 1 in the Englischer Courtship series will be a good candidate to write for NaNoWriMo.
Two others I mentioned last year that I want to keep in the forefront of my mind are:
~~ I will Complete HHH Posts by the 10th of Each Month.
I contribute to the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog (HHH) once a month. I’m usually working on my post right up until the deadline. It’s stressful waiting until the last minute. By pushing up the deadline by about a week, I’m hoping to not be so stressed. I did manage to schedule my post before the 10th a couple of times in 2020, and it was a lot less stressful. I’m hoping to do better this year.
~~ I will Post/Market 1 or More Books in FB Groups Each Week.
I need to keep up with marketing. Marketing not something I like doing nor does it come easy.
~~One of my non-writing goals is, I will Walk 20 Minutes 3 Times a Week or More.
I listed this one last year but want to continue to aim for this. As an author, I do a LOT of sitting. I keep telling myself, that I’ll walk, but before I know it, the sun has set and I’ve hardly moved. NOT GOOD. I chose 3 days a week, even though I want it to be more, because I figure that even on a busy week or if something else comes up, I can still succeed.
I hope you all are successful in meeting your goals in 2021. =0)
Now All 3 QUILTING CIRCLE Books are Available in Audio, as well as Kindle and paperback!
Book 1: THE WIDOW’S PLIGHT
A single mother steps out of the shadows of abuse and into the sunshine. But will a secret clouding her past cost her the man she loves?
LISTEN to chapter 1 here: https://youtu.be/qaUG-sN6Y_k
FREE Preview: http://a.co/1riJfrA
FREE on Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CV4XDLH/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_XaM.DbMKBGBG1
#TheWidowsPlight
Book 2: THE
DAUGHTER’S PREDICAMENT (Placed 2nd in the Selah Awards)
As Isabelle’s romance prospects are turning in her favor, a family scandal derails her dreams. Can a patient love win her heart? Or will a forced marriage be the end of her romantic dreams?
LISTEN to chapter 1 here: https://youtu.be/fMWDBA4NFeo
FREE Preview: http://a.co/4UXlRN5
FREE on Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NQZVNWY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_WcM.DbRBRKVQ9
#TheDaughtersPredicament
Book 3: THE DAMSEL'S INTENT
Can Nicole learn to be enough of a lady to snag the handsome rancher? Nicole Waterby heads down the mountain to fetch herself a husband, not realizing women don’t wear trousers or carry a gun. She has a lot to learn.
LISTEN to chapter 1 here: https://youtu.be/fqqq60WVZGk
FREE Preview: https://a.co/7xbqxVk
FREE on Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/Damsels-Intent-Quilting-Circle-Book-ebook/dp/B089DTXDCN/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=The+Damsel%27s+Intent&qid=1590863747&s=books&sr=1-2
#TheDamselsIntent #HistoricalRomance #FreeKU #KU #ChristianRomance
Book 4: THE DÉBUTANTE’S SECRET releases August 2021
When a fancy French lady steps off the train and into Deputy Montana’s arms, his simple life might not be enough anymore.
#ChristianRomance #HistoricalRomance #Romance
Tuesday Tidbits: STILL HERE
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