Recapping 2016

Well, it’s been an “interesting” year.

We had an election. I don’t think anyone on the planet could’ve missed that fact. It felt like the longest campaign in history, to me. You couldn’t turn on the TV or the radio or visit Facebook without being inundated. I scrolled past all of the political posts online without commenting. You see, my Dad was a wise man and he taught me never to argue religion or politics.

On a more personal note, I finished my fifth Malone mystery, making the decision to end the series – at least for now. If everything goes according to plan, Marnie Malone will be released in the next couple of months. I’m in the process of writing a standalone romantic suspense novel, something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. It’s exciting; a new adventure.

And I made another decision. I’ve posted weekly for well over five years now. I’ve written numerous posts, mostly about writing, and I’ve featured lots of authors and their books on my blog. But writing a weekly post takes time and I've decided I need to use that time to work on my new book.

So, starting January 1st, I’ll post a monthly newsletter instead. I’ll let readers know what’s going on in my life, personally as well as professionally, and I’ll post news about books I’ve read and enjoyed, new releases by other authors, etc. I’ll update the post regularly and I’ll encourage comments from writers who have books coming out and readers who have questions about any facet of writing.

My publisher has extended the 99 cent sale for the books in my Malone mystery series through the end of the year. (See left side of page.) So, if you haven't read one or all of them, here's your chance to catch up before the fifth novel is published.

Happy New Year! 

A Fresh Start

The New Year will be here in a few days and, with it, comes a fresh start for all of us. Many people make New Year’s resolutions but I prefer to set goals instead. To me, a resolution implies a commitment that, if not met, will lead to disappointment and frustration. How many people do you know who resolve to lose ten pounds by swim suit season and, when they don’t, feel as if they’ve failed? What if, instead of a resolution, they set a goal?

A goal is something we strive to achieve. We can break it down into bits and pieces and, if we aren’t able to completely meet our goal in spite of our best efforts, we still see progress, which increases our self-esteem. So, if that person who wants to lose ten pounds lost five, instead of being down on themselves and possibly giving up, they would recognize and celebrate the weight they had lost.

I write down my goals for the coming year in a small spiral notebook. Throughout the year, I add to the list and, once a goal is reached, I take great pleasure (and satisfaction) in checking it off. I’ve made my first entry for 2016: Finish writing Book 5 of my Malone Mystery series and send it to my publisher in time for publication next year.

Have you made any resolutions or set any goals for next year? If so, I’d love to read about them.

Happy New Year!