Living in California has been interesting for several reasons … but the weather here has me downright disoriented. As I write this on a “chilly” December day, it’s 53 degrees Fahrenheit. Yesterday reached 61. I’ve been sweating in my favorite “fall” clothes, and I can’t help but laugh at my neighbor’s blow-up snowman. I feel like it’s been September for three months, and I can barely believe it’s December … I have to be in some dystopian novel, right?
Well, whether I believe it or not, November is over. And it was a much better month than October. My husband and I had two house guests and attended a lovely Thanksgiving wedding (yes, they served turkey!). While I didn’t “really” commit to NaNoWriMo, I finished my short story draft, outlined (most) of Desertera #4, and had a little affair with my upcoming Salem book.
Though 2017 isn’t over yet, I’m already in goal-setting mode. I’m thinking a lot about where I want to take my writing and business in 2018 (and beyond), and I’m excited about my plans. After two years as an independent author, I’ve learned a lot (some from my own mistakes) and I feel like I’m finally finding my true voice. Thank you all for sticking with me so far — I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.
Writing & Publishing
Main goals:
Create five days a week – a little behind
Start Desertera #4 – on its way …
Between house guests and a Thanksgiving wedding, I didn’t devote as much time to my writing as I would have liked. That being said, I’ve laid some important groundwork for December (and 2018).
The fourth Desertera novel is mostly outlined (at least with what I’m confident won’t change during drafting), and I’ve completed most of my research for my upcoming dark fantasy series. Now, it’s time to finish the year strong!
Business
Main goals:
Make $2,000 from Boxthorn Press – almost there!
Create short story for my Reader List – in progress
Blog twice per month – on track
Read 52 books this year – catching up!
While I’m not sure whether I’ll make my sales goal for the year (partly my own fault for not advertising as much as I should have), I’m close! Likewise, the short story for my Reader List is in the editing phase, so it’s nearly finished. Blogging is going well again, but I’m not sure if I’ll reach my reading goal … perhaps time to break out the graphic novels for some quick reads!
Books Read:
Angel & Faith: Season 10, Vol. 4 by Victor Gischler
Angel & Faith: Season 10, Vol. 5 by Victor Gischler
The Missing by Chris Mooney
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Book in Progress:
The Black Arts: A Concise History of Witchcraft, Demonology, Astrology, and Other Mystical Practices Throughout the Ages by Richard Cavendish
Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee
Personal
Main Goals:
Work on positivity – still going well
Break a bad habit – dare I count this as done?!
Exercise 3x week – still doing it!
I have a weird relationship with my personal goals. While I know they are most important for my longterm health and happiness, they feel less urgent than my writing and business goals.
That being said, I’m really proud of myself. I’ve maintained positivity through a difficult year, broken my bad habit, and have finally made exercise a priority in my life. Now, if I could just yank out that sweet tooth …
DECEMBER GOALS
Finalize 2018 goals
Continue Desertera #4
Continue Desertera short story
Finish Dark Fantasy pre-production
How did your November go? If you participated in NaNoWriMo, how much did you accomplish? Share your successes, failures, and goals in the comments!
Kate M. Colby 
Commiserating across the country, because that weather disorientation is real… it was nearly 70 degrees here yesterday. I stubbornly don my sweaters in the mornings and wind up a sweaty mess by noon. I’m still not used to it! Looks like you had a great November! 🙂
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Thanks! It was a pretty nice month. I’m glad you understand about my weather problems. People back home think I’m crazy, but it’s just not the holidays without a chill in the air. 🙂
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Travis is all about that warm winter! It’ll be interesting finding a new place to live soon where we can both be happy. I love the 4 seasons, but I hate driving in the snow—or around other people who can’t drive in snow, lol. If the snow can stay on the grass, we’re good. lol Always so happy to see you thriving on your goals. ❤
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Thank you, Whitney! I completely agree with you about snow. I love looking at it and even playing in it, but the second I have to drive snow, I’m done. Lol
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That is how I feel most of my life. This week has been weirdly cold for my hometown. xD
Nanowrimo was a bust but life goes on. December is here and it’s time to make the most of it.
Good luck with the goals. 😀
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Thank you! Best of luck to you in December too. Shake off November and get back to work — you got this!
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