NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month) and completing first drafts of books.

This is my greatest and proudest accomplishment this year!!! AHHH SO EXCITED!! I have completed the first drafts of manuscripts for several series in the span of about a year.

• Three drafts of Series #1
• Three drafts of Series #2
• One draft of a standalone novel (connected to another series)

Total draft count this year: 7

Super, super happy with this! Phew! It was difficult. I wanted to quit several times when I got stuck with the plot. But I had such a fun time writing the stories and bringing the characters – more specifically, their love stories – to life.

And (not sponsored to say this or anything) I couldn’t have accomplished all of this without the help of the NANOWRIMO organization. Their word count tracker and writing challenges were an invaluable resource to helping me achieve these goals.

I have developed a writing routine that worked for me. Including establishing word count goals (writing at about 1500 to 2000 daily words average), draft project length goals (two weeks to a month each) and figuring out which part of the day I worked best (variable – some projects I write better in the morning, some better in the afternoons). 

This year was also the first time I participated in their virtual community events. Love, love, love them! I loved listening to and meeting other writers. I hadn’t realized before how much being involved in a writing group, even a virtual one, kept me motivated in my own projects. I was always more of a lone wolf. It’s nice to have other writers who understand what you’re going through.

The positives of quitting a job that no longer suited me.

Like I mentioned previously, it has been bittersweet to quit my conventional job to pursue my passions and goals. Some would say I’m being an idealist. Head in the clouds. Impractical.

But it fit for me so I will always be grateful to first, myself for being courageous enough to take the leap and to the universe for continuously still providing for and supporting me in making my dreams a reality.

One of the best things about this whole experience so far was obviously how much time that suddenly freed up in my schedule when I’m not blocking a chunk of it for my employment. With no obligations or responsibilities to others, the amount of inner peace I found after I quit has been INSANE.

The first weeks following my decision, I was in a state of constant celebration and euphoria, as you can imagine. Free from adulting. Free from responsibilities. It was wonderful. Unbelievable. I never wanted that joyous feeling to end. 

Throughout the year, I’ve had my emotional ups and downs, doubts and regrets about my choice. But through it all, I’ve also learned to make peace with it and pour my focus into my writing goals.

It was rough at first. I wasn’t sure that I could make it as a (eventually paid) writer. Then I completed one draft of a manuscript. Then another. And another. And with each draft, my confidence also grew. Not because I’ve been paid yet for my writing or published anything. Just the simple fact that at the beginning of this year, I struggled with a lot of self-doubt and self-criticism towards my creative endeavors. And by the end of the year, I have seven – crappy but completed – drafts with characters, challenged in their worlds and relationships, that I’ve fallen in love with.

Each day, I felt more excited, more motivated to jump back into my projects. Each day, I gradually felt less tension in my shoulders. I wasn’t so quick to anger. I stopped seeing the world as such a bleak and horrible place. 

I began to find purpose again in life that I hadn’t felt for a long time.

Support from my dog and family.

And none of this would have been possible without the support of my dog and family. 

My dog, who has been my rock, my happiness, my motivator, my goofy, derpy entertainer. The one who makes me smile and keeps me in good spirits. 

My family, who has helped make my transition from employment to unemployment smoother, by supporting me to have a roof over my head, a warm bed, food on the table and encouragement.

I am extremely grateful to them and to have this opportunity to work on endeavors that lift my heart and soul. And I hope heart and soul will come across in the stories I will share to others.

Finally getting the collection of the Elric of Melnibone series!

I haven’t read the series yet but this was a series I’ve been excited about for the past year since Simon & Schuster published the compiled volumes of the Elric of Melnibone series into, what I believe, is the best way to present the story of our favorite albino Melnibone emperor and his cursed blade, trying to save his dying empire.

Why is any of this important? Well, I rewarded myself with the Elric books when I completed this year’s NANOWRIMO challenge. And I am beyond excited to read the series! 

Memorable new TV shows that brought me to tears (from happiness).

Some honorable mentions for shows that have inspired me – and made me go through several tissue boxes. *AHEM* Highly recommend all these shows *AHEM*

• Fellow Travelers: Two men have a romance spanning four decades during the dangerous time of America’s “Red Scare” and “Lavender Scare”.
• Heaven Official’s Blessing: A relationship blossoms between a heavenly official’s, during his third ascension to the Heavenly Realm, and one of the most powerful and feared Ghost Kings. 
• Housebroken: A comedy show about a poodle who believes she’s a therapist and holds group therapy with the other pets in the neighborhood.

I’m grateful to all of you!

What have been your greatest achievements in 2023? Challenges? What do you look forward to doing in 2024?

Have a great, safe and fun holiday season. Wishing you the best for the new year! 2024 let’s rock and roll!