2018 Review

It’s important to look back on your year and celebrate your successes as well as reflect on what went wrong or didn’t work out as planned. I know for myself I can feel as if I didn’t accomplish enough in the past year, that I messed it up and didn’t see through all of the projects I set out for myself. However, I am here today to discover the good things I did and hopefully surprise myself. This is my attempt to convince you to do the same, so here’s hoping it works.

In 2018, even though I didn’t publish my short memoir, Fire Diaries, (a long time coming), or edit one of my books to completion, there are things I did accomplish. I did finish writing my first YA modern realistic novel and I sent it out to a large group of beta readers and got great feedback from them. I also joined my first critique group and learned some valuable editing and storytelling techniques that have enriched my craft. I found opportunities to put myself out of my comfort zone by going to writer meet-ups where you write prompts and read aloud to others. I met and connected with many writers throughout the year. I attended one of my first writer specific conferences and by chance met two great ladies. We bonded quickly and formed a critique and accountability group which has pushed my writing in the best way.

Although I’ve put my first novel, Jasper’s Mountain, to the side, for now, I did spend time rewriting the book a couple of times over this year. I feel as if I have more questions than when I started out with it, but I worked my little butt off diving deeper into that world.

I wrote twenty-five chapters in my new Chick-literature humor novel, Late Bloomer. This book is  light-hearted and funny, and I’ve had so much fun writing it. I plan to finish the first draft of this book early this new year.

After almost completing my third book, I’ve come to the realization that I don’t stick to one genre and I am 100% OK with that, in fact, it gives me clarity and freedom to not feel confined to one particular genre, which has always stressed me out.

I read forty-six books—some of which really helped me stretch my mind and gave me fresh and new perspectives. (I’m going to do a post about the top books of my 2018 reading list soon).

There were ups and downs throughout the year—when is there not? And before I wrote all of these successes of enriching my craft and carving away at it, I felt as if the year was mostly made up of non-accomplishments than accomplishments. This reflection is the boost I needed in order to shape and imagine all of the positive steps this new year will bring.

My wish for you this new year is that you have the courage to embrace the positive possibilities out there for you to grasp onto. Hit reply to this email and tell me one thing you are proud of accomplishing last year in 2018. We need to celebrate our successes more often and I want to cheer you on!

Cheers to this next fantastic year,
Rachel