If I learned anything from last year, it’s this: Simplify, simplify, simplify. I began 2023 by setting weekly goals for reading, learning, blogging, research, and writing, and also wanted to start a podcast and make time for drawing and painting, which I love. Two days before the end of the year, I want to reach back and give 2022 me such a pinch.
Blog and possible redesign. I promised myself that if I kept up blogging every day I could splurge a little to upgrade the site. I don’t plan to add a lot of bells and whistles, but the templates that come with basic WordPress are on the dull side.
Novel. I did good work on my novel last year. I’ve hit the mid-novel wall and gone back to the plotting stage multiple times over the last two years. Mid-year, I took a break from the writing to do more craft reading and focus on research for inspiration. I’m cautiously optimistic that I can push through the muddy middle this time and actually hit the end note. While I can salvage most of what I’ve written, I’ve had to pull out characters and scenes that didn’t serve the story, and I need at least a few new chapters to start the story and bridge some gaps. But I have a map and I’m happy with the new writing I’ve finished over the past 2 months. I’m still in the struggle phase with some of these chapters, but I know I can get through them because I’ve done it before. When the going gets tough, nothing engenders confidence like looking back at the other puzzles you’ve solved.
Community. I didn’t achieve my vision of community this year, but I’m proud that I got out of my shell to join some online workshops and writing sessions. More of that in the New Year. I need to carve out some “giving” time if I want to make this happen, and that was tough this year. It’s easy to get discouraged, but I know my folks are out there. I need to make a stronger effort to put myself in view, because none of them are going door to door looking for me.
Drawing. I’d like to get back to doodling this year. I’ve never been a great artist, but I love it. It’s a shame I don’t make more time for it. I’m going to schedule some time over the next year to work through Lynda Barry’s Syllabus, a memoir/outline of her cartooning workshop. Lots of low-stakes drawing exercises that also include writing and memory work, which will also serve the prose writing. I might post a few things I don’t hate too much.
Change. Finally, I commit to changing any of these goals that don’t serve me well. If I’m struggling, I promise to examine the reasons and the solutions. Do I need a mental break? Is this a problem I can muscle through? Can the goal be postponed? What would bring joy back into the process?
What are your plans for 2024?