I’ve almost always sworn off New Year’s resolutions. If I want to do something why wait until the New Year? But a New Year is a chance to revisit goals. And this year was all about writing. Two books—when I can usually manage only one a year!
But before I tell all, did you make goals for 2025? If so, tell me in the comments, we can raise an imaginary glass. 🥂 Congratulations! 🥂
My 2025 Goals … the successes and the not quite there yet…
You can see I failed in my two major writing goals. But on the other hand, they’re well on their way to being completed, and I don’t think I’ve ever written two novels in a year, so getting close is exciting. 🥂
Also cheesecake…yeah, I know it’s not writing. But it’s so tasty and fresh and it’s been a resounding (summer) Christmas success. Perfect, when other dairy free, gluten free cheesecake I’ve made has not really worked the way I want it to. Here’s the recipe. And yes, I do slightly change the recipe for a number of reasons, but the idea behind it is brilliant and so very tasty.
Milanote. If I haven’t already, I really should do a post on this. It’s an organisational tool that just works for me. I have weekly plans on it, plotlines (huge plotlines!) colour, maps, background information. It’s basically a whiteboard with the flexibility to create everything from timetables to mood boards. It holds videos, pictures…whatever you want, so that it can look pretty, and not only that but you can have boards nestled in boards. It was the one thing that really helped when I was stuck with plot of “Into the Deadlands.” Just what I needed.
Te Pae Tawhiti – New Zealand Speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction and horror) authors, this is an award for you! Check it out at https://tepaetawhitiawards.nz/
And yes, I did post consistent newsletters, but not so much blog posts. Maybe that can be a surprise win next year! 2026—so close now.
And yes, I do have a list of goals ready…I’ll be posting them on New Year’s Day!
See you then.
A.J. Ponder
My 2026 Resolutions are here. New Year’s Day!