I long ago stopped making traditional New Year’s resolutions, recognizing that when I did, I usually aimed too high, and got frustrated early, and gave up. So as I’ve aged, I instead use the coming of the new year as a time for personal reflection, and for setting areas of emphasis or longer-term goals for the coming year.

As I look toward 2018, I am setting the following goals for my writing:

• More Than I Can Say (book 3) — to have it published by mid-July 2018.
• Book 4 (still untitled):
  • First draft completed by July 1st, 2018.
  • Second draft completed by August 1st, 2018.
  • Professionally edited by October 1st, 2018.
  • Submitted for consideration for publication by November 1, 2018.
• Of Grief, Gratitude and Garlic:
  • First draft completed by July 30, 2018.
  • Second draft completed by September 1, 2018.
  • Professionally edited by November 1, 2018.
  • Submitted for consideration for publication by December 1, 2018.

Now, here’s the thing, I recognize that all of those steps are time-consuming and involve a lot of hard work. I also recognize that I may not complete all of them in that very ambitious time period. But, in setting the goals, I am recognizing how important writing is to me, and the need for a schedule.

So we will see if I can meet those goals on time or not. I promise to keep the list up-to-date on my progress!

As the sun begins to set on the last day of 2017, I thank you all for your incredible support through this journey, and I wish you all joy, love and peace.

Happy 2018!