So in 2021, I managed the following:
- Wrote 103,000 words (mostly on Season Four of Coffee and Ghosts)
- Read 103 books
I liked the symmetry of that so much, I purposely didn’t finish reading a book on the 31st.
And while I’ve had better writing years, I’ve had much worse. Considering the state of everything in 2021, it could’ve been much, much worse. Not only am I really pleased with how Season Four of Coffee and Ghosts turned out, but I also had a lot of fun writing it.
I also started a Little Free Library this year. Traffic’s a little slow now that the snow and cold have arrived, but readers are slipping in new books and taking others. In the spring, I hope to do more with it. It will be easier for all once you don’t have to mount the snowbank just to peek inside.
What didn’t work in 2021: Weekly writing check-ins. Lately, I’ve found I don’t have much to say, at least not about my writing progress on a weekly basis.
I’ve been blogging in some form since 2003, and I’m certainly not going to stop now. Okay, I just did the math, and that’s nearly twenty years. In that time, I’ve changed platforms and formats, what I write about, and a variety of other things. I think it’s time to change and grow again, but in what direction, I’m not sure.
It may take all of 2022 to figure that out. But for now, I’ll wish everyone a Happy New Year. May 2022 bring you the peace and joy you need.
Writing Wrongs 
Writing 103,000 words and reading 103 books is a tremendous way to have spent your 2021. You gotta give me some tips on how to read more, as I had only managed 12. Anyway, wishing you all the best for 2022!
You know, part of it is the way I’m wired. All things being equal, I’m going to pick up a book when I have downtime. But a couple of things I do to get more reading in: I take a book (or rather, my Kindle) with me everywhere. The other thing I do is listen to audiobooks. I did more of this when I had (a fairly awful) commute. Now I listen when I’m on the treadmill, doing chores, and so on.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a Happy New Year.
Pretty impressive accomplishments even if there hadn’t been a pandemic! Like any practice, writing is an interesting companion. Sometimes it leads, sometimes it provides supportive guidance when you head into previously uncharted territory. Looking forward to seeing how this relationship evolves for you in the year to come. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you! I’m not sure where writing will take me this year. I’ve been spinning my wheels trying to pick something to work on, but have decided that, for now, I’m going to let writing lead.