Confessions & Resolutions

Happy New Year!

Whatever 2017 brought into your lives, I hope that 2018 is better. Let it be interesting, fulfilling, and most importantly calm and peaceful. Whatever your political views, I think we can agree the world could do with a little more peace and harmony in 2018.

How was 2017 for you? What do you like from 2018?

2017 was a good year for me, if more than a little disorganised. I finished writing, and published three novels, and made new friends via my writing, most of whom I will never meet, but I consider them friends none the less. But top of the list of highlights, by a considerable margin, is of course the arrival of my first grandchild, Edie. What joy and happiness she’s brought to our family.

So, here we are. The first day of the new year, time for ‘out with the old, in with the new’, and to clear the mind, a few confessions.

1st confession: It’s a little after midday on the 1st January 2018. I’ve taken down the tree and decorations, cleaned the house, walked the dogs, washed and dried the dogs, (it’s raining for a change!) I’ve showered, and I’m sitting in a sweatshirt & PJ bottoms, writing to you. I have no intention of doing much else today other than eating, and that will be whatever is easiest to prepare, as I simply can’t be bothered. Today I veg out!

2nd confession: I have three half written novels, and I haven’t added a word to any of them since mid-December. As always with Christmas, there was a late flurry of activity making sure everything was ready, lots of socialising, and a front door that never seemed to close for more than an hour. I’m not complaining, I had a wonderful Christmas, but it did stop any form of concentrated thought.

3rd confession: I’m still not writing! Now that the festivities are over and done with, I’m off on holiday. We didn’t manage to get a sunny, lie on the beach, do nothing type of holiday, last year. Although we had some great sight-seeing trips, they’re not quite the same as a kindle full of books to read, and the sound of the waves lapping at the shore as you drift off in your own world, oblivious to everything around you. So, it’s booked, and on Friday we’re off to Tenerife for a week of winter sunshine.

But, I am taking my laptop, and the plan is to get some serious writing done. Wish me luck.

Final confession: I haven’t made any New Year’s resolutions. I’ve tried that in the past and failed miserably each time. However, I do have a ‘To Do’ list. This is how it’s looking so far:

1 – Finish and publish, ‘An Unexpected Gift’ (second in the Bearing Witness Series) Target: End of March 2018.

2 – Finish and publish, ‘Sinister Intentions’ – the third working title of a Meredith & Hodge mystery novella. (An alternative working title was, A Meredith Christmas and a Patsy New Year – I know! But in my defence, and as I’ve mentioned, it’s been hectic!) Target: Published by the end of March 2018, as this will set the scene for the next Meredith & Hodge novel, ‘Family Matters’. 

3 – Finish and publish ‘Family Matters’ (Major plot issue needs to be sorted out) Target: Publish by June 2018.

4 – Don’t start another novel until 1-3 are completed.

5 – When 1-3 complete, plan another M & H and another Bearing Witness.

6 – Do not use social media for more than an hour a day until 1 – 3 are complete.

7 – Write every day.

8 – Don’t ignore this list.

There are another ten or so items to go on the list, but I think that’s enough to consider for the moment. After all, I am supposed to be doing nothing today. I’ll add them later, after I’ve written the list of holiday reminders. Oh yes, and the shopping list to stock the fridge for my daughter, who will be looking after the dogs while we’re away …… I’d better get on with them.

May your 2018 be filled with making happy memories,

Happy reading,