Year in Review

I decided to sit down today and glance through my files so I could get a gauge on what I accomplished in my career this year. I've been fortunate to have a steady stream of work in 2012, but there is definitely room to improve my productivity and branch out into new markets. I'm already making plans to attend at least one writer's conference this year and subscribe to some helpful publishing newsletters. Here's a look at the accomplishments I'm most proud of for 2012:

• My articles appeared in 10 out of 12 issues of Lake Norman CURRENTS.
• I had two bylined articles in Making Waves, the official newcomers guide to Mooresville, N.C.
• I wrote four articles for Great Lake Living, the official newcomers guide to Lake Norman in North Carolina.
• I broke into my first Canadian parenting publication with a reprint.
• My article “Writing for Free Opened the Door for Paying Assignments" appeared in the March 2012 issue of The Writer.
• I began working as editor of Little Ones, a bi-monthly regional parenting publication based in Charlotte, N.C. This past year, I edited and wrote copy and feature stories for all six issues of the magazine.
• My post “My DIY Writing Retreat” appeared on WOW! Women on Writing’s Friday Speak Out blog.
• I wrote my first two short stories for children and am now submitting them to the appropriate markets.
• In November, I wrote the first draft of a middle-grade fiction book in 23 days.
• I made the decision to turn an unpublished manuscript from mainstream fiction into a YA book and am currently working on that outline before I make revisions.

What were some of your most notable accomplishments for the year? What do you hope to accomplish in 2013?

Day 3

Today has been a much better day than yesterday, mostly because it didn't include a milkshake! Instead, I consumed 40 ounces of water instead.

Our lucky dog got two 10-minute walks through the neighborhood today, and I dare say the extra exercise is wearing him out. That's a good thing!

This evening I did 30 minutes of strength training and core, for a total of 50 minutes worth of exercise for day three. I will be spending the evening in front of the computer working on an article that is due tomorrow, but I think things will flow a lot smoother now that I have my exercise goal out of the way. I've been sleeping really soundly the past few days, too.

Hopefully tomorrow if the weather allows, I'll go on a bike ride around the neighborhood with my son. I got a new bike back in August for my birthday and love taking it for a spin whenever I get the chance.

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe it's already 2009. A little over a year ago, I was writing down a list of goals I hoped to accomplish in 2008. Unfortunately, I had four things listed and really only managed to accomplish one of them, but hey, there's nowhere to go from here but up, right? I did manage to increase my income stream taking on a part-time editing gig at a local magazine, and it's been a fun and wonderful learning experience. It's also nice to interact with co-workers on a daily basis, even if it is for just a few hours a day! I also am way more productive at work than here at the home office, where the Internet provides too much of a distraction sometimes.
So, as far as hopes for this year, I have two goals really, and only one of them is writing related! And anything else that comes along will be an added bonus. This way, I hopefully won't get overwhelmed and not be able to accomplish anything at all!

1. I am starting my novel this year (and hopefully will finish it too)! I started the process last year, then had a hard drive crash and lost my entire outline. I crawled into a hole and could never bring myself back out after that big disappointment. But it's time to start fresh. I have a working title, and will commence work this week.

2. I want to train for a half marathon in April. Last year I talked about my quest to lose weight and get into better shape, and I accomplished it (see photo above). I am still working with a trainer and will commence training for a half marathon. My legs are quivering at the thought, but I'm up for the challenge and want to be able to say I did this at least once in my lifetime.

So, I'm trying to keep my goals short and sweet. Any big plans for you this year (personally and professionally)?