Well, here we are… another year ending and time to take a long hard look at what I actually accomplished out of the laundry list of things I tasked myself with. Excuse me while I get a box of tissues, I may very well need it. Totally kidding, but sadly at the same time, I’m not. 🙂
While I didn’t get as much done as I had planned for, I was fortunate enough to be able to do some live events and squeeze some travel in. The year ended up being more about filling the well, than actual creating, which is probably what I needed most after such a draining 2020.
I will review it here, but if you are interested in seeing what I set myself up for in 2021, you can check out the original post here. For the most part, I tried to take it easy on myself, and really struggled with my theme word “Grace.” I found that I almost gave myself too much time to get through things, and I really do a bit better under pressure. There were big changes all around, in all parts of my life. While most of it was good, it was hard to keep everything going at times. I decided that while Grace is an amazing word, along with Balance, which I have used in the past, there is one that is slightly better for me.
I believe “Alignment” will be a better theme word for 2022 since there is no sense in welcoming things into my life unless it is what I truly need. If I am only getting what I need, the Grace and Balance will come naturally, or at least that is what I tell myself. I am going to be selective in what I invite and will be concentrating on boundaries, which I tend to have a bit of trouble with. I will continue to fill my well of inspiration, but will also focus on more writing and querying, two things that I just couldn’t find enough time for in 2021. I know now that I need to make the time, not expect it to show itself.
The relaunch of my series in late 2020 really burned me out, so I probably deserved a bit of a break, but the writer in me was antsy. I launched 2 Novelettes as well as digital book bundles of the Power Of Four series, but none of it was “new” creative work, which is what my Muse craves. The introspect I took time for this year was helpful, I now believe I know what I need to do to balance everything out.
Looking back, I’m honestly not sure how it all got done considering all of the other things I had on my plate. I think my new word will be the perfect fit for me moving forward, it will help me to concentrate on the priorities, and let the things that won’t matter in a year or two… fade away. Here is what I accomplished in spite of myself in 2021:
DA’s 2021 Writer-Do List
Create and launch box sets for the Power of Four series books – Summer 2021 – Did release these, but later than anticipated – 12.18.21!
Continue to query Book #1 of the Paranormal Mystery series and find an agent – All Year – Received some lovely rejections, and will be starting this back up in 2022!
Finish Draft of Book #2 of Paranormal Mystery series – January 2021 – I hit a wall with the writing, and have about 2/3 of it done. This is my January 2022 project.
Finish Draft of Book #3 of Paranormal Mystery series – June 2021 – I do have this outlined, sort of, and I did do some research and picked the setting. I am excited to write this one!
Edit and finalize Books 1-3 of Paranormal Mystery series – December 2021 – chances are we are looking at December 2022.
Continue to research Ads/Marketing and complete Self-Publishing course – All Year – Currently at 55% – Didn’t get any further, really need to refresh myself on the course at this point.
Complete Cover (and book designer), Formatting and Launch of “A Love For All Seasons” – February 14, 2021 – Released February 11, 2021!
Continue Research and Outlining for Single Title Project – All Year – Back Burner
Draft more novelette length stories for future Collection – All Year – Medusa’s Secret launched October 20, 2021!
Holy Cow! I was busier than I realized!
New Focus Word for 2022 – Alignment
With a new year, comes a new focus word, and I believe the one I have chosen for 2022 will be perfect for me! I’ve decided my main focus in 2022 will be writing/creating new stuff, since I didn’t really get much of that done in 2021. Most of what I published had been written in 2020 (or prior) and, as with most projects, took some time to get edited and ready for my list of offerings. I hope that all the time I spent filling the well in 2021 pays off because I am ready to get some words down! My Muse has about had it with me and my mucking about!
So, here is what I have lined up for myself moving forward this year.
DA’s 2022 Writer-Do List
Continue to query Book #1 of the Paranormal Mystery series and find an agent – All Year
Finish Draft of Book #2 of Paranormal Mystery series – March 2022
Finish Draft of Book #3 of Paranormal Mystery series – June 2022
Outline Book #4 of Paranormal Mystery series – September 2022
Edit and finalize Books 1-3 of Paranormal Mystery series – December 2022
Continue to research Ads/Marketing and complete Self-Publishing course – All Year – Currently at 55%
Complete Cover, Formatting and Launch of 2 more Goddesses In Love novelettes – by October 2022
Continue Research and Outlining for Single Title Project – All Year and planning a research trip for this!
Rework short stories for a collection – All Year – Release early 2023
Find more amazing readers to join my journey! – All Year
I would also like to get back to blogging more regularly, and get more proficient at TikTok videos, which I am having a blast creating! If you are on that platform and haven’t followed me yet, please do so! You can find me here: https://www.tiktok.com/@dahenneman. I also have plans to travel more and stress less, so fingers crossed that the theme word brings that into my world as well!
For anyone out there struggling to get their projects done, consider doing one of these lists. They really help me not only stay on track, but they give me a sense of accomplishment when I am down in the dumps about not doing enough. It isn’t too late to get your goals down for 2022!
Have a Happy New Year, and be kind to yourself and one another! Happy Writing! XO
D.A. Henneman - Romance Author 
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