So, 2018… hello.
From a personal point of view, last year was good, yet I’m struggling to think of anything specific! I’ve just had a look back at last year’s round-up, and it was much more eventful.
I guess some years just slide along easily, moving from day to day, week to week. It doesn’t always have to be amazing, despite what social media makes us think. If you wake up happy and ready for the day ahead, and go to sleep content with what you’ve done, isn’t that enough?
2017 feels like a long year, but as you get older that’s not necessarily a bad thing – a long time between birthdays, for example, can be a relief 🙂
Personal achievements this year include:
- completing my novel (well, almost, I’ve got a few more chapters to edit, and they need a lot of attention)
- seeing some awesome results at the gym
- not going grey yet (sometimes it’s the little things…)
On reflection, the novel took a lot of time. I wish I could write faster, or at least not need
so many edits and redrafts, but I’ve learned to live with it.
The downside of writing so much is that I can’t read at the same time – I realised a long time ago that I tend to absorb the style of writers I admire. When I’m in the depths of my own book, I can’t suddenly switch to someone else’s voice!
My plans for 2018 are to, once again, figure out a decent book marketing plan, say yes to more opportunities (I delayed on a decision a couple of months ago, and I’ve been kicking myself), and have as much fun as possible!
Happy New Year to you all, let’s have a blast 🙂
Annalisa Crawford - Blogging with My Fountain Pen 
I love to access a year past when I’m just starting another. It’s only a day difference, but it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect. Happy New Year.
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I think reflection is important – it helps us focus, keep an eye on goals and stops the years just blending into each other. A very happy 2018 to you!
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“If you wake up happy and ready for the day ahead, and go to sleep content with what you’ve done, isn’t that enough?”
That sounds good to me. Perhaps we should all strive for that.
Happy New Year—best of luck to you with your goals!
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Sometimes it’s the simple things that count 🙂
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Hi Annalisa – you keep going and work out what you need to do .. and that Costa Orange Award must sit happily in your brain – so you’ll be going onward and upward this year … take care and all the best for 2018 =cheers Hilary
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I do try to remember the successes, but every so often they feel like so long ago. I’m aiming for upward, this year 🙂
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Hi Annalisa,
It’s all about finding that right balance. Good going with your almost completed novel, my friend. I think you have an exciting year ahead because your determination will make it so.
An inspiring, happy 2018 to you and your loved ones, Annalisa.
Gary 😀
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Thanks, Gary – I hope so 🙂
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fun, chocolate, and a plan. Good look with all. I think things will move into high gear on your novel, plus any contests you’ve entered or will enter. It’s going to be a good year. Don’t worry and that keeps away the gray – ha! Take care and enjoy the journey and your family.
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Thanks Joanne. I must get on with entering more contests – I’ll strike lucky at some point 🙂
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Love this – “If you wake up happy and ready for the day ahead, and go to sleep content with what you’ve done, isn’t that enough?” Happy New Year and good luck with all of your goals! 🙂
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When I wrote that I was listening to a news feature on how unhappy teens are because of social media and trying to be something they’re not.
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You had a good year! I love how balance things. I didn’t finish my book this year, and I’m letting it be okay, because it’s more emotional for me than the first ones (because there’s a personal connection). So I’m learning to let it tell me the right pace. As always, I look forward to reading whatever you write!! Happy New Year, my brilliant British author friend.
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Your book is a labour of love, of course you want to do it justice and make your mother proud. I’m looking forward to reading yours too 🙂
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Reblogged this on NewYearsEve2018.
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Happy New Year, Annalisa! I completed my novel in 2017 as well (just barely, actually). Congrats to you on yours. Hopefully, we both see publication and great sales in 2018/19.
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Congrats on completing yours, too. Here’s to the next part of the journey for both of us 🙂
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Happy New Year to You! A good life is all about balance. As we get older it’s not the material things we want, it’s more time to do the things we really want to do. I wish you all the best with your goals.
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We wouldn’t be writers if we wanted material things, we’d be directors of companies! Thanks Maria 🙂
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Happy 2018 to you and your adorable doggie!! Congrats on getting so much done with your novel. I know I will love reading it when it’s out in the world!
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I’m in the ‘argh, it’s terrible’ phase again. But I’ve got about three pages left to edit/completely rewrite, and then it’s resting! Thank you for your support 🙂
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I’ve actually considered going to a hair colorist because my hair is turning white, and I’m not even 40 yet! And good for you for being close to finishing your novel; I’ve always thought that finishing a book is tougher than starting one, especially because it’s easy to get invested in it and want to end it just right, but it could end in several different ways.
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Oh yes, my novel could definitely end in a couple of different way – I’m working on the last paragraph now, it has several versions!
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Sounds like a great plan to me! I’m with you in wishing I could write faster, but maybe I will one day, when I don’t have 5 kids in the house all the time. 2017 was a long one for me too, but I think that’s mostly because I was in the midst of my worst pregnancy ever. It’s good to be past that season of life and throw away the maternity clothes I never want to see again.
I’m looking forward to hearing more about your forthcoming book!
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Yes, sometimes a long year is a positive thing, sometimes a negative! I loved the moment I threw out my maternity clothes 🙂 I hope you have a great 2018
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Happy New Year, and good for you on completing some things that you wanted to in 2017! Finishing a novel is a big deal, and kudos on getting some great results at the gym. I’m raising a glass that 2018 is even better for you! Hugs…RO
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Thanks RO, hope your’s is a great year too 🙂
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Wishing you all the best for 2018!
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Thank you, and you 🙂
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