I'd like to do something that Jessica McHugh, a favorite writer friend on Facebook, has done with several "new years" resolutions, where, starting the first week of January, she writes a new story per week. 52 stories in one year... Considering I've done 30 stories in one month before, I think I can do that. I wrote a New Year's story on January 2nd, so that's one down, 51 to go!
But there are other writing goals I'd like to set for 2018. Like I said way back in November, I want to read some more books on writing to try to put my brain back on the right track. I have a row of them on my bookcase, plus a good many digital books on the subject. At Dragon Con 2016, I bought three flash drives containing six books full of writing info, and at least one of those is on social media for artists. I also have a Kindle book dedicated solely to writers using twitter. I really need to build my web brand so I can make some more e-sales...
On 12/29, I received some Amazon royalties... a total of $4.96. The sad thing is, that was the most money I'd earned selling ebooks for the entire year. If I'd use my web resources more often, I might earn enough money to really make a difference in my finances...
Going back to the "get in shape" thing... TWO things happened in 2017 that really scared me. First, my cousin, age 39 at the time, had a massive heart attack. He died on the table twice. And he's in much better shape than I am. Second, an online acquaintance, who's only about 8 months older (he had just turned 39), died on New Year's Eve. I don't know what kind of shape he was in, but it's still worrisome. I need to start exercising again before my body gives out even more. I have bad knees and a bad back, and a large part of that is my weight. If I don't start making an attempt to get healthier before I turn 39, I might NOT turn 39.
I've already started watching my portions, and last night I didn't eat any junk food after 8 pm. That's a big problem for me. I need food with my medicine, which I'm supposed to take at bedtime, but I usually eat the wrong kinds of food when I take them. I need to change that, and a new year is the perfect opportunity... even if I am a week late!
So, to sum up:
1. Write a story per week.
2. Read more writing books.
3. Do a better job with social media/building an online brand.
4. Try to get back in shape, (Watch my portions, try to exercise, and don't eat junk food after 8 pm.)
I think that's it for New Year's Resolutions. And that's it for now.