So, I went completely radio silent as of August. I won't let that happen again.
I am counting 2021 as a total wash. Though I managed to finish the first draft of my second novel, life got in the way big time.
It wasn't work or COVID that caused my seemingly unending writus interruptus, but my own health.
Spring of 2021 brought a scary diagnosis that required several procedures to correct. I spent months being treated, worrying about the costs and fielding complications from the illness and treatment plan. I am cured now, with no real side effects. Thanks to my family, friends, and wonderful medical team, they fixed the problem.
What I found the most difficult of this year was my own reaction to this latest medical issue. These health problems that have cropped up over the last ten years have taken their toll on me mentally and physically. triggering my anxiety all over again.
First and foremost, this new diagnosis just pissed me off. I'm only 39 years old, some of these health conditions are more suitable for someone a lot older. I don't drink to excess, I quit smoking a few years ago, and I've lost 50lbs in an effort to take better care of myself. But it seems like every time I take a step in bettering myself, it just brings out a new diagnosis.
What gives?
After the anger came the self-pity, party of one. Even with my support system, I felt alone, lost, hopeless.
Writing this out, don't really see how I could have written through it. I didn't have it in me, not around the wall of pain and panic that I built up inside of myself. Its a damn miracle I managed to finish Dark Ember, but writing out query letters or starting something new was just out of the question.
As of right now, no one has read Dark Ember, which scares me. I have reread it a few times and I'm very proud of it. It is the book I have always wanted to read, much like my first novel. It is the Belgaraid meets the Magicians.
So, now that my pity-party is over I m gearing up to get some stuff done in 2022. At the end of next year, I want to be healthy, happy, and reaching my goals.
Oh, we all know how I love goals. I don't like resolutions, they seem so easy to break. I like goals, goals are reachable.
My writing goals for 2022 are as follows:
Write first draft of 3rd novel
Send more than 50 queries to agents/publishers for Dark Ember
Blog/post content 2-4 times per week
Participate in #pitmad
Start instagram for novels
Since this is my own little corner of the web, I'll share some personal goals.
Lose 30lbs (for a total of 80)
Spend more time reading (50 books this year)
Manage my health more precisely
It seems all of these goals are achievable, at least for me. I'm still so dedicated to becoming a published author. I want to fully embrace my dream, the only dream I've had consistently my entire life.
For now, I'm hoping you are all having a wonderful start of the new year. Later this week, please check out the first episode of my web serial "A Dark Attachment". Episodes will be posted bi-weekly at first, perhaps weekly after that, each will range from 3,000-6,000 words.
"For paranormal investigator Memphis Monroe has a strange encounter with a violent spirit, but that isn't unusual for someone in her line of work. But. strange events seem to be following her now, disembodied voices, objects moving on their own, phantom fingers reaching for her in her sleep.
Memphis suspects something from the old, haunted barn might have something to do with what is happening around her, but with no concrete evidence even her paranormal-loving family doesn't quite believe it.
A Dark Attachment will be rated 16+ for language, violence, and some adult content."
I plan to also upload a few fantasy/magical realism/paranormal shorts to the site as well. Yay for content.
You can also find me on Twitter @CA_Lightfoot. When I start the instagram, I will let ya'll know.
Please, share your goals with me by leaving a comment, and don't forget to subscribe to get the latest on my work!
Happy New Year!
-C.A.