While 2020 is still in its infancy, I thought I’d quickly give everyone the 411 on what I’m doing this year. I’m late with this post, which is why it’s no longer a “goal” list for me, but that’s mostly because I’m already swamped. In a good way, of course. I’m not complaining whatsoever.
Still, it’s always a good idea to enlighten folks on what’s happening, if only to explain a long stretch of absence or, in my case, why I forgot to reply to an email. Furthermore, it’s a way for me to stay on track with things. Accountability, you see, actually works (at least, in my case, it does).
The 411 on 2020
Writing
So, in 2020, I have 6 books to write, which doesn’t include short stories or blog posts. Yup, you’ve read that correctly. 6 books. Now, 2 of them are novellas (I’m certain I’ve blogged about it before?), while the other 4 are full-length novels. 1 is actually more of a rewrite/re-edit, but I’m counting it anyway. This is how things are going thus far:
- Novella #1 – In the self-editing phase. (Will be a free read!)
- Novella #2 – Outlining is in progress. (Part of the Soul’s Day Boxed-Set)
- The Night Weaver #3 – I actually started with this one in 2019, and am about quarter-way done with the first draft.
- The Night Weaver #4 – Outlining done.
- Muti Nation – SURPRISE! Muti Nation is being rewritten/re-edited/and will be renamed. So, basically, this will be the last time I call this book “Muti Nation”. Big news will (hopefully) be revealed about this book within the year. Whoohoo!
- The Muti Nation Sequel – YES! I’m also writing a sequel for it. Still outlining, but the research is done, and I’m actually super excited to get back to these characters.
- Untitled Short Story – I have no idea what I’ll be doing for this particular project. All I know is it’ll be a YA horror. Will brainstorm over the next few weeks.
I’m pretty sure there are some things missing from this list (more short stories I’ve forgotten, probably), but these are the main ones I simply cannot forget about. I’ll definitely do an update later on in the year to show progress, and, as always, I often add progress into my What’s New Wednesday posts if you would like to keep up with the news like that.
That being said, I also have a few extras planned for the site! If you head on over to The Night Weaver Series page (click here), scroll past the books, and you’ll notice a few extras there (do you see them?) … Now, first off, I’ll be updating those extras in the coming months, but some more stuff will also be going on up there in the not-so-distant future. I’m still figuring out certain aspects of certain things, but I’m hoping folks will love the new extras.
Editing
Due to last year’s dismal editing projects, I made the decision to mainly focus on finishing my writing projects this year. Still, that doesn’t mean I won’t be editing. Thus far, I’ve finished the first edits of 3 books, the second edits on another novel, and have a few others coming up in the next few months. I love editing (it keeps me sharp and I get to have chats with some great authors), so I’m excited about these editing projects regardless of all the writing I have planned out for myself. 🙂
Reading
I think I’ve said it before, but I might as well reiterate … So, I kinda maybe planned to read 100 books this year. Yup. See? I don’t just talk the talk when it comes to books, I sway my hips and walk the book aisles, baby! Now, if you follow me on Goodreads, you may have seen some updates already, maybe a few reviews, too. To those who don’t follow me, well, I’m working off a pre-made TBR list—I’m throwing in some randos just to keep things fresh—and I’m 8 books into the new year. *drops the mic* I thought about sharing the list, but meh. Might as well surprise folks with my choices. LOL
Not sure if I can keep up with this pace the entire year, but here’s to hoping.
Personal Stuff
There are a LOT of stuff that may (or may not) happen in 2020. Some I can talk about, whereas others are still subject to change or being kept quiet until a later date.
On a personal note, I can say that my current resolutions are being met. You know those iffy New Year’s resolutions everyone has? Yeah, well, I made a particularly silly one, which saw me cut out the majority of my coffee-intake (knowing full-well of what horrors lay ahead in 2020). That being said, where I once drank 24 cups of coffee a day, I now drink only 3. Granted, it started out being just 2 cups a day, but my withdrawal headaches were beyond any pain I’ve ever experienced, so I had to add one more. Still, I’m super proud of myself. And yes, I’m freaking tired all the time.
Another personal thing worth mentioning is a “maybe getaway” in April. Now, so far we don’t know exactly where or when we’ll go, but all work and no play just annoys the living hell out of Monique. There may be another getaway (hopefully a full holiday) later on in the year, if all goes as planned, but I’m not holding my breath yet.
In between all of the above-mentioned tasks to get through in 2020, there are weddings to attend, parties, get-togethers, too! I didn’t think I had much of a social life, but after checking out my planner, it seems I was mistaken. Now, no, it’s not as crazy as I’m sure some folks’ planners, but it’s way out there for me.
All the busy stuff aside, I am going to try my absolute best to find some modicum of zen this year. Once the worst heat of the summer is over (probably sometime in February), we’ll start hiking for some exercise. I’m checking out what type of other zen stuff is available locally, getting back to caring for myself properly, and so on. Self-care is, after all, incredibly important. Also, what’s the point of never enjoying the little things this world has to offer? So, yeah, that’s happening soon, too.
So, Basically …
There are still a lot of announcements to come in 2020. We’re talking big ones (I know I say “hopefully” a lot, but I’m really hopeful), medium ones, and some smaller ones. 🙂 All of them are important (to me), though. There will probably be quite a few title reveals, cover reveals, and so on, too. So keep on coming back to get your 411 fix, browse the site to discover some extras while you’re at it. I’ll strive to keep my website as recent as possible, and will keep adding some entertaining bits for you.
Until next time,
Monique
