Well, it’s that time of year again. The new year is spread before me like a blanket of fresh  fallen snow. Anything is possible. So with that in mind, it’s time to make my new year’s goals and resolutions.

I don’t tend to share my goals publicly. Mostly because the specific ones–say, like landing an agent…which I did do last year. Yay, me!–tend to alter throughout course of the year. As some goals are achieved, others need to be adjusted or dropped completely.

But this year, I really only have three major resolutions where my writing is concerned. (Yes, I have some specific goals, but I already told you I’m not posting them here )

The first is write more. Every day. Rain or shine. Personal catastrophe or none. I will not leave my desk until I have hit my word count for the day. I used to be much better about this, not letting anyone else encroach on my writing time, but I’ve fallen out of practice over the past year. This year I’m getting back into it. I will not be interrupted unless there is blood or fire.

The second is read more. I can’t believe I’ve actually had to make this a resolution, but I’d say over the last four months, I’ve been reading less and less. So I’m determined to make time for a good book.

The third is blog more. Yeah, I know, you’ve heard it before. But this time I have a plan. Every Wednesday, I’ll be featuring an interview with a different romantic suspense writer–until June, anyway. This will be a fantastic opportunity to learn about some great books and writers. I too will be featured on other blogs starting tomorrow, but I’ll give you all the details then.

So that’s about it for me. What resolutions did you make this year?

Mood: Up

Music:  Play That Funky Music, Wild Cherry

Anyway, Christmas was very nice. Spent time with family, ate delicious foods and enjoyed myself immensely. DH bought me the Sony E-reader, which I was very excited about. Not only was I hoping to find one under the tree, but, as an e-published writer, I can’t tell you how happy I am to see E-readers on the shelves of Canadian stores. Every time the add played on T.V. I’d do a little happy dance.

Though I have to admit, I wasn’t entirely sure I would enjoy reading on an e-reader. I’m a big fan of books. I enjoy browsing bookstores, like the feel of a book in my hand and the look of a book on the shelf.

To be honest, I haven’t noticed huge difference as far as reading goes. The e-reader is lightweight, and once I start reading, I don’t even think about the difference between the page versus the screen. The only minor downfall is I can’t use it if I want to read in the bath. And as I read a lot, I’ve had to become very selective about the books that make it my keeper shelf. I think the e-reader will help to cut back on the number of books that land on my will-never-read-again-and-don’t-know-what-to-do-with-now shelf. Which is a good thing, really.

Anyway, I hope you all enoyed your holidays. After avoiding the computer for so long, I have a lot to get caught up on. Wish me luck.

Music: Tangerine – Led Zeppelin

Mood: Good.

Well, the holidays have come and gone. DS is back in school, DH back at work and hopefully all the decorations will be taken down this weekend. (Though since I have a chapter meeting and family birthday party this weekend, I won’t hold my breath.) The point is, it’s time to get back to work.

As I do every January, I have made a list of my long term goals followed by a list of short term goals that will, in theory, help me to reach the long term ones. Don’t worry, I won’t bore you with them here. Besides, I’ve learned over time that goals are often revised throughout the year. What needs doing in January may not be such a priority come July. Never consider that your goals are written in stone. A year is a long time and a lot can change.

That said…

With my goals in mind, I should have been buckling down today now that DS is back at school. Instead, I went book shopping and to lunch with my mother. Which is why I’m just starting my writing day at 9pm. Actually, that’s not entirely true. I did manage an hour or so on the WIP this morning, getting a little more than half way to my daily count. That’s something at least.

At the book store, I bought three new paperbacks and an overpriced journal, but the latter was such pretty shade of turquoise. And for some reason I like to begin a new journal with the new year . Maybe its the idea of starting the year with a fresh slate that appeals. I also probably didn’t need to buy any new books since I still haven’t read the pile from my last sojourn to the book store. But I can’t go to a bookstore and leave empty handed. It’s a sickness really.

Mood: Mellow