Mid-Year Goal Check
Did I finish any of them?
Here we are at mid-year, which happens to be close to my birthday, so I thought of my goals from the end of last year for 2025. I wrote them in a newsletter way back in December of 2024.
What were my writing goals for 2025? Did writing them down work?
2025 Writing Goals:
Find developmental editor for currect WIP. (Not yet, but working through amazing beta reader suggestions. Finished Revision 3.)
Be consistent with my newsletter. (Check- You’re reading it, right?)
Revise work in drawer. (Did I actually write this down?)
Start writing ‘Junebug the novel.’ (It’s closer to being started.)
Write a Short Story for Feisty Deeds 2 Anthology. (Check and in editing phase.)
Enjoy life-Golf, Travel, Get Healthy. (We’ve taken trips with our golf buddies, planned a trip to Canada and I’m still working on the Healthy part, but at least I haven’t given up.)
I also picked JOY as my word for 2025. Have I made 2025 a joyful year to date? I would make that a check, also. I’ve been spending more time with the hubby and my daughter, playing golf, taking trips and reading more.
Now, what am I going to add/change for my goals at mid-year?
Mid-Year Goals:
Developmental Editor? I’m so lucky to have writer friends that help me when I ask. I know I’ve said this many times, but the writing community is the best. They are generous and giving and I couldn’t have made it this far on my writing journey without them. Do I need an editor or book coach before I query agents? That’s a decision I need to make.
Trying for a more consistent newsletter. I want my readers to enjoy it and I think maybe I’ll do a little poll before end of year to gage their interest.
To be honest with myself, I may not make it to my novel resting in my drawer this year. Should I start my Junebug story or revise that one so close to my heart? Humm.
See No. 3.
Hope this short story and the Feisty Deeds 2 Anthology has as much success as the first one. I’m very proud of the stories and authors. And the fact that we donate the profits to the WFWA (Women’s Fiction Writers Association) Scholarship Fund to help others writers reach their dreams.
Enjoying life! Yes! I tend to be a worrier and I need to give myself a pass when I want. I’ll let you know how that trip to Canada goes!
PS - Remembering JOY is my word of the year goes a long way!
Goal-setting may make us all a little crazy sometimes, but I like marking things off my list. It also helps keep me on track. My current Work-in-Progress is going to take how ever long it takes. I will not rush it, because I want it to be the best it can be. Is it frustrating to answer those questions about when it’ll be ready, published, or in anyone’s hands? Yes, but you all also want it to be the best it can be and not have any sloppy parts or rushed writing.
As we head into the second half of our year, it’s really hard to believe that a large portion of 2025 is behind us. It seems like we were just struggling through those cold winter months and when we blinked, heat and humidity hit us hard. My part of North Carolina is already in a Stage 1 drought. I think that the unchecked development may have something to do with that, along with the extreme heat. Let’s hope that the next six months, brings us less weather extremes and tragedies. Grab your pool floaties or beach towel and get outside. Take a walk or hike. Ride to the mountains or coast or just around the block. Accomplish something on your goal list. I’m pulling for you.
What were some of your goals for 2025 and how are you doing so far? Let me know.
BOOK REVIEW: Castaway on the Isle of Devils by Elisabeth Carson-Williams
This well-researched high-seas adventure is set in 1610 and features a precocious young lady named Alice. Her family’s bound for Jamestown settlement in Virginia to make their fortune, since Alice’s father has wasted the family money away. A hurricane blows their ship away from the group and onto the rocks of the Isle of Devils. The men, women, and children quickly divide into the ship’s crew and passengers. No one can decide who’s in charge and the idyllic island setting is replaced with turmoil and division. This YA novel will immerse you in the history from the time period and what those who settled Jamestown had to deal with. Will Alice and her family ever escape the island? Will they make it to Jamestown? Castaway on the Isle of Devils is a historical fiction book which will keep you reading to find out if Alice will survive! A 4 Star Adventure.
Don’t miss your chance to read and share this award-wining anthology filled with twenty-three stories of everyday women making brave choices which changed their lives. They will make you cry, laugh and turn the page. And remember Books Make the Best Gifts! Check out Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women. My story “Junebug” starts on page 198. You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon, BookBub, Kobo, and Barnes&Nobles.
Number six is the one that matters! All else is column B.
Very inspiring. I took my first bike ride since before Covid this week. And I didn’t fall off, so that felt great!