A new year…a new decade! Looking ahead at the year of 2020, the possibilities and opportunities are infinite. Anything can happen. And anything will happen if you have the right mindset.

The tradition is to make a list of new year’s resolutions, and I’m not one to balk against this ritual, always making a mental note of what goals I want to achieve. This year, I’m writing them down because I’m more determined than ever to complete each and every resolution on my list, even the crazy, outrageous, barely-a-hope-in-hell ones. I finally feel like I’m sliding into the pocket…like things are starting to roll in the right direction with my life and with my literary career and I want to ride that momentum as long and far as I can.

My goal list isn’t too long, but as I mentioned before, some resolutions are a little more lofty than others. I’m sharing this list with you today to make myself more accountable…so that I won’t just curl up in a ball and let life pass me by. If you’re a writer, your goals may be similar, so you can share in the joys or disappointments this journey may bring. If you’re not a writer, hopefully this post will still motivate you to make your own list, and your own set of steps that will help you to reach them. We’re in this together!

My 2020 New Year’s Resolutions:

  1. Complete and self-publish book 3 in the Father of Contention series, titled Sea of Forgetfulness.
  2. Market the hell out of my new book, doing a book launch, book signings, a blog tour, and social media promotions.
  3. Finish editing book 4 of the Father of Contention series.
  4. Send queries to literary agents.
  5. Get a traditional book publisher interested in my novels.
  6. Write articles for a local journal/paper/magazine.
  7. Enter contests and win a literary award (a girl can dream).

I have my work set out for me, and none of this will happen overnight. But, I’m happy to say that I am well under way with achieving my first goal, completing my third novel, Sea of Forgetfulness. I am currently editing the last few chapters of the book, and will be sending it away to be published very shortly. I can’t wait to see it in completed form. It is such a thrill to hold the book in your hands, which has taken you so much time and effort to complete.

I’m looking forward to this new year…but I would be remiss without taking a final glance back at 2019. It, too, was an exciting year, filled with literary accomplishments: the release of my second book, Guardian of Angela book launch and several book signings, two blog tours, the successful completion of NaNoWriMo, and joining a social network of other literary geniuses that are so supportive, it brings tears to my eyes. I’m so proud to be a part of this growing community…and look forward to reading their books as well! So much talent out there…it’s amazing!

December itself, was a very busy month…mostly celebrating…but also participating in two local Christmas markets – The Winter Craft Revival and Craftland: A Winter’s Market. As usual, Thunder Bay always displays an overwhelming amount of support, and I’m sending a hearty thanks out to all who came by to offer words of encouragement, who purchased my books, and who gave me feedback once they read the stories. It was the best Christmas gift I received over the holidays!

It’s time for me to get back to reaching my goals, so I’ll have to say good-bye for now. Good luck with forging your own new year’s resolutions list and I wish you all the best in the year 2020!

And don’t forget to keep reading!

💋 Lanie Mores