2017 Year-End Update

[image error]Looking back on 2017, the year hasn’t been as much of a dumpster fire as I originally thought. Author-wise, I published my third Desertera novel, The Tyrant’s Heir, re-evaluated my writing and business goals, and strengthened connections with my amazing readers and author friends. On the personal side, I lost two beloved family members to chronic illnesses, moved from Connecticut to California (with a brief vacation at home in Kansas), and traveled to new places in the United States.

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, I accomplished far more than I did in 2016! My husband and I have a tradition of making one resolution per year we’ve been alive, so I made 24 goals for 2017. I never expect to achieve them all — but if I shoot for the moon, I still hit the stars. And I hit quite a few stars this year.

Writing & Publishing

[image error]1. Create (write, edit, outline, or research) 5 days a week

My average ended up being four days per week, as I allowed myself extended breaks for my cross-country move and two bereavement periods.

2. Write Desertera #3

3. Edit Desertera #3 (C)

4. Publish Desertera #3 (C)

5. Write a second novel

While I didn’t start drafting, the world is built and ready to write for 2018!

6. Edit a second novel

7. Start Desertera #4

8. Make 2018 production schedule

Business

9. Make $2,000 from Boxthorn Press

Just a little short!

10. Create freebie for Writing Newsletter subscribers 

11. Create freebie for Reader List subscribers

12. Blog 2x per month

13. Maintain social media schedule

14. Diversify existing products (audiobooks, box sets, etc.)

I’ll be focusing on this in 2018 instead!

15. Do one marketing/promotion task per month

Choosing to forgo marketing until I have a larger catalog is why I didn’t hit my income goal. While I’m disappointed with myself, I know playing the long game will pay off eventually.

16. Read 52 books

I read 40 books. Now that I don’t ride the train every morning, I need to find a new reading time!

Personal

[image error]17. Work on positivity

18. Exercise 3x per week

19. Break a bad habit

20. Recoup savings account post-Yale

21. Make post-Yale plan

22. Visit final NYC sites

23. Visit new state

24. Visit new country

I achieved ALL of my personal goals! Here’s to leaving 2017 a happier, healthier, and better-traveled human!

Overall, I’m pleased with how much I accomplished in 2017. I’ll be finalizing my 2018 New Year’s resolutions today, and I can’t wait to dive into them. Here’s to a fantastic year!

What did you accomplish in 2017? What goals are you setting for 2018? Share them in the comments!

Filed under: Author Business & Publishing, Fiction Blog, Writing Updates Tagged: 2017, ambition, amwriting, author life, blogging, fantasy, goals, independent publishing, indie publishing, list, long term goals, new years resolutions, planning, publishing, science fiction, self-help, writing