Hello 2024! As I sit writing this on the 2 January with the next 12 months dauntingly outspread in front of me I am overwhelmed with the anxiety of a fresh start and the unknown. However, this year is filled with many goals and aspirations that I am determined to magic into reality. The New Year can be a stressful time, but is also one with many open possibilities.
My 2024 goals and aspirations
1. Debut novel
In January 2023, a staggering year ago, I decided I wanted to write a book that included all the delicious details and elements that I craved from reading and the immersive nature of literature. I’ve now been reviewing and writing critical, imaginative and honest book reviews for over a year and have enough understanding of the things I do and don’t like when reading. So I dusted off my pen and paper and started jotting down ideas that I am ashamed to say have lived rent free in my head for many many many years. I am a daydreamer, who would rather be battling dragons and exploring new realms with my favourite fictional characters than partake in the mundane tasks of society. But I digress, I began exploring those daydreams and opened a blank word document and it began.
Now in January 2024, I am 114,000 words into my novel with a fast approaching deadline of the very vague ‘before-my-birthday-deadline’ of February. I have five chapters left to write and after a restful break over the Christmas holidays, I am eager to see where my two clumsy and impulsive main protagonists end up! My goal for 2024 is to finish writing, have a completed manuscript and then embark on the slightly anxiety inducing task of finding a literary agent and publisher to help bring this world of bizarre characters to life.
2. Books, books and more books
In 2023, I read a staggering 34 books that I am quite proud of, considering when I finished my BA degree in English Literature and History that I was all read out. I had reading burnout and barely read one to two fiction books a year. Since starting my blog and entering the dazzling world of publishing I have reignited my delight for fiction and becoming lost in a world of imagination. In 2024 my reading goal is a tentative 40, but I do aim to read more around the 50 book mark as I only became more invested in my reading goal around April last year – now I have a full 12 months. I will certainly continue to review books on Netgalley, my blog and Goodreads – stick around if you want honest reviews of popular releases.
2.2. Booktok, Bookstagram and everything in between!
2023 also saw the birth of my Book related social media accounts and as I experimented with different posts and content I was baffled by how I can reach more people and engage with like-minded readers. Whilst I still battle with engagement, I have decided to continue posting what I want and in a way that is more authentic to my personalty and character. I cannot stand anything more than fake personas that love every overhyped book to gain followers etc. I will also say my honest opinion, even if it is unpopular as I believe there is nothing worse than brilliant and imaginative books falling into the wrong hands of readers. I want every reader to find their next comfort book. I do believe this social media journey is a fickle thing, I will persevere nonetheless.
3. Youtube!
On my blog, I edit, write and post a series where I draw inspiration from famous paintings to tell a story in no less than 1,000 words. This is a way to kickstart my creative juices and let the words take control. I usually have no plan as to where this short piece will take me and often these stories take an unexpected turn. Humour is always my prime objective and to subvert the traditional tropes. Most importantly, I enjoy creative writing and making up stories so this is as much fun as the author as it is – I hope – for the reader.
What does this have to do with Youtube? well, I intend to start creating, filming and uploading videos to Youtube that include dramatic readings of my short stories, excerpts from my debut novel and book reviews and recommendations. Whilst the thought of sitting in front of a camera makes me cringe, I will overcome my stage-fright or camera-fright – if that is a better term. If you want to see dramatic readings where I do attempt all the character voices in a very bad way, or honest book reviews and recommendations – please do subscribe!
Final thoughts
2024 is one that I hope to seek the fruits of my labour but also one that I can continue to develop my creativity and engage with like-minded individuals. I want to continue to throw stones at the impenetrable wall that is success until a crack appears and those carefully, well built walls come crumbling down. Stories are all around us and it only takes one to listen to create the next best seller.
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