New year, new goals

It’s that time of year when we all started thinking about the future and making plans and wondering how we can improve on the previous year. For my part, there are a couple of changes I plan to make in 2023.

Reading goals

Each year I read between 30 and 50 books, mostly in the following genres: romance, mysteries, thrillers. The occasional women’s fiction is sprinkled in, as well as nonfiction books on finance, budgeting, or some aspect of business and writing.

I’m sticking to the same number of books, but this year I’m challenging myself to read outside my comfort zone. I’m going to read at least one sci-fi novel and one fantasy novel. This is very different for me because I’ve never read fantasy or sci-fi. 

With few exceptions, my movie-watching falls within the same guidelines. Give me a romance, drama, mystery/thriller, or action-flick and I’m in heaven. So I’m looking forward to challenging myself and hope the stories keep my interest.

Writing goals

As a full-time author, I’m very much aware that to achieve my usual goal of four books a year, I have to write regularly. I don’t much subscribe to the idea that you have to write every day, but I do believe consistency is key. For me, that means five days a week. That can sometimes be hard with everything we have to do as authors—marketing, administrative work, interacting on social media, as well as staying up-to-date on what’s happening in our industry.

This year, I’ve upped the number of book releases to six. Ugh, just writing that number makes me nervous. Two contemporary romance novels in the Family Ties series, two romantic suspense novels in The Cordoba Agency series, and two black romance author collabs (details coming later).

The most books I’ve written in a year is five. Can I write six? I hope so. I feel like it’s good to challenge myself, and worst case scenario, I figure I’ll complete five for sure. I’m already releasing Audra (Family Ties, Book 3) this month, so I’m on my way. I and another author will be keeping tabs on each other. Having an accountability partner should help.  

Dates are blocked on my calendar, so I know when everything is due. Despite all that, life happens, so I’m careful to give myself cushions to allow for sickness, travel, and just good old-fashioned writer’s block.

Health goals

If you read my newsletter, you know I gained weight during the pandemic, and frankly, losing it has been slow going. However, as of today I have nine more pounds to lose (Yay!), and I’ve decided if I accomplish that goal I’m going to shoot for another ten.

How am I doing it?

Well, I’m not the type to diet. Tried it. Hated it. I enjoy food too much, and I can never stick to the changes long term. So I’ve simply made tiny tweaks that are good for me health-wise and can be maintained for the long haul (I hope). Cutting calories through smaller portions and incorporating more plant-based meals are what I’ve been doing, and so far so good. I don’t feel deprived of food, either, so that’s a good sign.

I’m trying to do better at exercising and used to beat myself up about my inconsistency, but this is a new year, and I’m not doing that anymore. It is what it is. Slow and steady wins the race…

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What are your reading or health goals for 2023?

If you’re a writer, what are your writing goals?