2021 served as a year of change for me, starting on a low note by not receiving a dream job. However, a few months later, I landed another dream job, which I think has been dreamier. Because I’m a glutton for punishment, I’ve stayed on as a part-time editor for one publication at my previous employer.
Needless to say, I really didn’t have a life in 2021, but I’m making progress toward restoring some work/life balance. And despite circumstances, I accomplished a lot in 2021. I finished edits on Descent and brought it to Amazon as an e-book. (The paperback is still on its way after production delays.) While working toward publishing goals, I polished several outlines and launched a few new writing starts, including the next installments of the Heritage Lost Series.
I have hopes for 2022, especially once I restore my life balance.
Writing
My primary focus for 2022 is Legacy, which centers on Mina and will be from her point of view. I expect this story to be of novella length, and it will also serve as a story bridge to Book III, Once Removed, covering a time span where Katya really tries to mold Mramor’s training practices and unified the planet’s efforts.
In Legacy, Mina seeks to carve her own path, removed from Katya’s. She’s dead set on becoming a fighter pilot and finally striking back at the Magistrate. Alongside this goal, she navigates cultural differences as she integrates into the ranks of Old Imperiya. It doesn’t help that Katya has tasked her with being a bridge between Old Imperiya and recruits from other former countries. Given the levels of distrust and hatred between all the former countries, Mina comes to believe it’s an impossible endeavor.
It’s been fun to hop into Mina’s POV after spending 500-some pages with Katya in Descent. I really look forward to journeying with her as she grows and maybe experience another case of young love. I expect to carry her POV, alongside Katya’s and Akakios’s, into Once Removed.
More Reading
Another hope for 2022 is more reading. I haven’t been doing a lot of it (I think I only read eight books in 2021), but at least 2022 is off to a promising start since I’ve finished Carry On by Rainbow Rowell and March: Book One by John Lewis. I’m also super close to finishing My Life, My Love, My Legacy by Coretta Scott King.
Since the library has a new reading challenge, I’m definitely encouraged to reach at least 15 books by the end of September, especially after falling short of my 2021 reading goal. I must redeem myself!
Refresh Author Business Plan
My five-year author business plan is horribly out of date. After I finalize 2021 business-related matters, I’m going to sit down and create a new plan for 2022-2027. I also need to revisit and follow through with marketing plans, including lining up more reviews for my books.
StoryOrigin will hopefully make that last part easier since it’s added a review copy feature. So far, I really like how it functions. If you’d like to pick up a review copy, click either the Heritage Lost or Descent button — or both, even.
Blood & Ink 