Whew! Another New Year!

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First of all! I do hope you are off to a good start having a happy, healthy, and joyful New Year.

My New Year's Eve was rather quiet just the way I like it. Movies and books, games, the fire, snacks, family, laughter, and oh yes, we mustn't forget my neighbor's enthusiastic shooting off of his gun at midnight.

I reflect back and feel very blessed regardless of the fact that 2017 wasn't entirely a carefree year. Because, when all is said and done, it was, indeed, good.

However, I'm also ready to face forward and meet this new year. I think of the old CBC Kevin Sullivan film, Anne of Green Gables and love Miss Stacey's quote to Anne about tomorrow being a new day with no mistakes in it yet. That's how I feel about New Year. A new year to start afresh.

Oh yes, I do fidget with eagerness to crack open my new calendar and journal and hit my new goals hard. In my case, I have no innovative goals this year. I'm merely going to do a reset on last year's. They were good goals.

Wanna know what they are??? LOL


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Is my picture hint enough? Oh yes, I want to write. I began two stories during last November's NaNoWriMo (don't ask- apparently I couldn't keep my brain from distraction without both). One of which is what I consider my legit piece and my official Work In Progress. This- yes this one is my goal this year. Finish, beta read, edit, and find some one to accept it.

I also need to clean up a story that was rejected last year and I want to shop it around again.

And then there is our short story writing club. I slacked off on my stories last fall. I need to do better this year.

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Along with writing, I of course plan to do a pile of reading.

I believe I'm signed up for 16 Reading Challenges. (No, I'm not seeing anyone about my addiction). Before you freak on me, let me share that all of these allow for a book to be used toward other challenges and that several of these challenges focus on reading the books on the TBR pile.

If you get curious throughout the year of how I'm doing on my challenges, I've set up virtual shelves here on GoodReads to track my challenge reads. And, if you are looking for a reading challenge to suit you feel free to consult me. LOL, I'm aware of ever so many challenges even ones I managed to not sign up for.

So these are my jumbled New Year's thoughts. What about you? Are you a New Year's Resolution type? Any reading or writing goals of your own?
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Published on January 01, 2018 08:06 Tags: reading-challenges, writing-goals
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Carole (in Canada) Congratulations and good luck! Knowing I how much I love your short stories, I am looking forward to your next. I don't make New Year's resolutions anymore. I just try to make sure I get a little reading time in each day. With this cold winter weather, I'm getting more in than expected...Bonus!


message 2: by Sophia (new)

Sophia Carole (in Canada) wrote: "Congratulations and good luck! Knowing I how much I love your short stories, I am looking forward to your next. I don't make New Year's resolutions anymore. I just try to make sure I get a little r..."

Thank you, Carole! I will need all that luck. :) Ah, thanks for loving on my stories. I have a good time writing them.

Oh yes, someone left the freezer door open around here, too. However, as you say, it makes for good reading weather. ;)


message 3: by Mary (new)

Mary Sophia,what a wonderful goal to aim for in your 16 reading challenges!Wow!! I've no doubt that you'll succeed too!! Best of luck with them!! 😉
I don't set new year's resolutions anymore. I'd like to read more,eat less and enjoy life a little more! 😌


message 4: by J. W. (last edited Jan 03, 2018 08:35AM) (new)

J. W. Garrett No New Year's Resolutions for me this year. I'm just going to live each day as it comes. I do make a few plans but other than that... just live. School started back today after the holidays... the bus turns around in front of my house as they pick up the kiddos. Oh, I am so glad I'm retired. Lawd! I'm so happy you had two stories for the NaNoWriMo and wish you luck on them. You are one busy lady. Blessings on the new year my friend. Looking forward to seeing what you do.


message 5: by Sophia (new)

Sophia Mary wrote: "Sophia,what a wonderful goal to aim for in your 16 reading challenges!Wow!! I've no doubt that you'll succeed too!! Best of luck with them!! 😉
I don't set new year's resolutions anymore. I'd like t..."


I am so addicted to the challenges. It's crazy. I do manage to sign up for ones where a book can count for several at the same time. I mostly sign up for TBR pile challenge-style ones so its not as impressive as it sounds at first glance.

You have some good strong plans there. I started going for walks each afternoon this year and listening to audiobooks as my incentive to exercise after work, but I still need to work on eating better.


message 6: by Sophia (new)

Sophia J. W. wrote: "No New Year's Resolutions for me this year. I just going to live each day as it comes. I do make a few plans but other than that... just live. School started back today after the holidays... the bu..."

I think I would take some satisfaction in seeing the bus and knowing that I could just sit there in my pjs and not have to get ready to go and meet the kids for work. :) I only taught for 8 years, but I used to get as excited as the kids for holidays and days off. Retirement would be even better. :)

Thanks! I'm going to try to work hard on one of the NaNo stories and get it ready to shop around for a publisher. Oh, and I just remembered that I still need to write up my story portion for writing group and I want to read Gretchen's new chapter. :)


message 7: by J. W. (new)

J. W. Garrett Sophia, looking forward to it, she certainly hooked me with that last submission. Thanks for hosting it... like you don't have enough on your plate.


message 8: by Sophia (new)

Sophia J. W. wrote: "Sophia, looking forward to it, she certainly hooked me with that last submission. Thanks for hosting it... like you don't have enough on your plate."

Again, I get a whole lot more out of it than I put into it. Truly. Having fellow writers with me helps me stay on target with writing stories and deadlines. :)


message 9: by Laura (new)

Laura Hile Writing, reading, and thinking ... busy times! I am impressed with your goals, Sophia. Wow.

And what is it with guns and explosives at New Year's? It sounded like a war zone outside -- for 30 minutes, ha.


message 10: by Sophia (new)

Sophia Laura wrote: "Writing, reading, and thinking ... busy times! I am impressed with your goals, Sophia. Wow.

And what is it with guns and explosives at New Year's? It sounded like a war zone outside -- for 30 minu..."


For sure, Laura! I imagine you're cooking up something for the new year, too.

Heh, I have not worked that one out. He doesn't miss the 4th, either. I'm just glad he's sober at least.


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