As in previous years I look back at what I've done during the year; whether I've reached my targets, and make a few decisions on my focus during the coming year.
Last year I did my 2016 review toward the end of November, and my aims for 2017 were:
Carry on with the second draft; get out into the world more; continue being open to writing opportunities; read more; write more. And lose weight... :-)
I haven't done too badly- okay the lose weight one hasn't made any progress. :(
The 2017 Review |
It was a slow start.
I'd intended to enter an epistolary short story competition in Writing Magazine, but decided not to enter; you can find out why in A Very Slow Start.
After a brief foray into the 1920's with a novella idea that was lurking, aided by a fashion source book, I began writing the idea out of my head- it's now on hold while I decide a few important details and get on with my main project.
February
I was planning my return trip to Bath (see March).
The NWC National Short Story competition opened and I began my reading, marking and feedback stint.
March
With the competition reading ongoing, I was continuing to write the 1920's story.
My long weekend in Bath with my OH was wonderful, with museum visits, lots of walking and occasional stops for refreshments.
April
This was my opportunity to share a few of my many images from my March visit to Bath. There was the History of Fashion in 100 Objects at the Fashion Museum (also more images on my Serena Lake site) as well as the Bath Postal Museum, and the Museum of Bath Architecture. Here's a link to all three.
May
This was a very busy month.
On the 4th May I was out celebrating the 90th Anniversary of Nottingham Writers' Club with other club members. We started with a reception at the Nottingham Council House overlooking the Market Square. Then we went for dinner at a nearby restaurant.
I also had to reinstall Windows 10 on my desktop. After an unexplained issue my computer wouldn't install the important security update that would protect my device from that ransomware that hit computers across the country.
The latter half of the month saw the release of my feel good/ghost story on Alfie Dog Fiction. It's still available for download, so if you're looking for a short story to read with your cup of tea or coffee, just follow the link.
June
Was the annual Lowdham Book Festival. I was promoting the writers' club and the books and downloads by club members- and myself. It was a lot of work preparing for it, and an early start on the day. (I've decided to give 2018 a miss.)
During this six month period I was writing as many days of the week as I could, and my second draft was slowly making progress...
Word count: January - July: 29,646.
Sadly it didn't continue that way. Part 2 will be posted on Thursday...