I’d decided to aim for two blog posts a month. I even had partially prepared drafts, but then real life domestic dramas decided to intervene.
No, I won’t bore you with the details. All I’ll say is that I never realised it would be a) so difficult, and b) so time consuming, to get a repair done under a first year warranty.
After that temporary setback to my February plans, I’m back on schedule with the novel and other tasks. I have targets to achieve in 2023; no more delays.
And of course, the low temperatures and snow reached us this time- we often have winters with little or no snow at all.
It was snow Thursday, immediately followed by rain, but I managed to get photos before it disappeared- it was still snowing at this point.
A fine snow layer…
I’m currently redoing my newsletter sign-up, so it’s not available at the moment. My newsletter provider, Mailerlite, is also making a few changes, so I need to do extra reading- before my next mailing goes out at the end of the month.
Meanwhile, if you would like to sign-up to my newsletter, then please use my contact form to request I add you. You can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time.
The year began with a coherent plan, then life dropped large boulders across my path. I had an alternative route- it wasn’t ideal, but better than nothing.
There was time spent in the garden getting fresh air and exercise: early in the year I dug up the rhubarb crowns, split them and replanted the best four pieces.
I’ll find out whether the effort was worth it in Spring 2023, when I pick a few stems.
Next Year’s Rhubarb…
Apart from a few failures because of the extreme heat, my fruit and vegetable growing went well, especially the tomatoes.
But, writing was hard. Those life events ( boulders) made creativity a struggle.
I succeeded in getting my partial submission into the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme by the end of the July deadline.
But, it was an alternative novel, an early first draft of a future project (a plot still under construction in my mind, and characters I’ve not got to know well enough, and research remaining to be done).
Most of my trips away from home have been get-togethers with other romance writers in Nottingham, and Leicester. The support and encouragement of other writers is crucial. So, a big thank you to the Nottingham Story Weavers, and the Belmont Belles and Beaux (the Leicester RNA Chapter).
There were a couple of weekends away to Yorkshire/Lancashire to see family. Plus potential photo opportunities. A change of scenery is always good.
In the park…
Early December, I missed all the Christmas parties due to train strikes, and then Covid- it left me tired, so I’ve spent the Christmas holidays resting, and reading numerous books on my Kindle.
Aims for 2023…
I’ll be working to complete the (current) draft of my contemporary romance novel in 2023. I know where the story is going, and what needs doing.
Meanwhile, I’ve dug out my mix of short stories from back-up discs and memory sticks. I’ll rewrite some, while others need editing. They’re a, as and when, side project for 2023.
I’d like to write some 450 word stories, but that’s a random time item.
I have plenty to keep me busy without adding more.
Changes…
The major change for the coming year, I’m not continuing in the RNA New Writers’ Scheme.
I’ve learnt a lot, and I’m grateful to those readers who’ve read my manuscripts, and given me valuable advice and important insights to help me improve my writing.
The plan…
Being flexible is my key phrase for 2023.
I’m also going to resume noting my word count- as I used to do. Seeing the total increasing or remaining static is helpful and can act as a spur when needed.
Carol Bevitt - Writer 