Posted to YouTube on 22 Jan 2023.
2023 Goals!
I didn’t really set any goals last year and it left me feeling like I didn’t achieve everything I wanted to. Having no milestones left me unaccountable.
After reflecting on this, and learning from it, I must set goals for 2023! I went back to my Jan 2021 post to use as a goal setting template.
Publishing
Sky Heart: Book 2 in the Soul Heart Series
I wanted to publish this by the end of 2021. The goal rolled into 2022, and it’s still outstanding! This is my top priority for 2023. I am halfway through the developmental feedback. Completing this step by the end of Jan is doable.
For accountability, I will post my feedback on Ko-Fi & share to Twitter.
Summer Heart: Prequel of Soul Heart series
Originally this was titled New Moon (or Denny’s Story) and it was going to be a short novella that I would offer out as a readers magnet, but… I’m not good at short stories. This is fast becoming a full length novel.
Public Appearances: I would really love to do another face to face event. They are scary but I think they are important to be seen as an author. I’m not sure what though.
Other Stories: I would like to start a new novel. I have ideas for some stand alone novels. As I struggle for time to work on my main projects, these get pushed aside. When I want a change, I will work on:
- A YA Paranormal Fantasy Horror set in a made up town- Paranormal YouTubers crossed with Blaire Witch Project
- A YA Sci-Fi Romance set in Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk – The UKs equivalent of the USAs Roswell.
- A Historical YA Fantasy set in Woolpit, Suffolk inspired by the local Green Children Legend.
- A Vampire Fantasy Romance set at Birmingham university (location may change to London, Liverpool, or Ipswich) – Exploring addiction.
- A Sci-fi Action story set at Landguard Fort, Felixstowe, Suffolk/Sealand – Drunk teens find a naked girl on the beach that has escaped a research facility, and now they are on the run. Inspired by Stranger Things and Hunted on Ch4.
- And many more. I have tons of plot bunnies but not enough time to write. One day… one day…
Reading
12 – 24 Books: When I am working on my writing, I tend not to read. It depends on how productive I am towards my publishing goals. The last two years, I’ve doubled it but my progress in other areas were reduced.
Reviews: I wish to continue posting reviews on my blog, and Goodreads. If it’s on Litsy or BookBub, I will post it there too. In addition, I’d like to review books on my YouTube channel.
Social Media
Felixstowe Magazine: I have been fortunate enough to write for Felixstowe Magazine throughout 2022 and will continue in 2023. Check out my News page to discover the articles.
Website: I need to make sure my pages stay up-to-date. For example, whilst writing this I’ve found that “New Moon” is listed on my books page but hasn’t updated to the new title “Summer Heart”. This isn’t a biggie as I’m not marketing it yet, but I mustn’t lose sight of it.
I’m also not happy with my current host provider, Hostinger. I paid for 2 years, so I’m stuck with them for another year but in the autumn I need to check out other providers and prepare for a migration.
Ko-Fi: I joined last year, and really enjoy this site. It is now my shops home as it’s so easy to use. I need to update this more often and encourage people to follow me there.
[kofi]
YouTube: I really want to grow my YouTube channel. It’s hard because I need quiet to make videos. I also don’t want you to see my messy home, so I must tidy first (recently we had a leak in the kitchen that spread to the dining room – this is an ongoing nightmare). Then once recorded I need to edit, and my laptop is on the way out. There are lots of obstacles but this is a goal I’m not giving up on!
Consistently Post: I know this is important to keep the algorithm happy, but during 2022 I just lost my enthusiasm to post. I think it was burn out. However, this is what I will aim for:
- Blog: Mon
- IG: Wed (more if I feel like it)
- Ko-Fi: Thu
- Twitter: Sun
- YT: Tue (fortnightly)
- Newsletter: Every other month
Followers: I’m not too worried about building up my following as I’d rather have people I’m engaging with than big numbers. I’ve set my goal to increase by 10%, especially as I haven’t really tracked it for two years.
I barely sent out any news letters during 2022. To send one every other month would be an increase. It would be nice to get more subscribers but I won’t be pushing this.
I don’t like Facebook, so I’m going to drop this off completely.
I recently returned to Twitter. I stopped using Twitter because there was so much hate and preaching American Democrats. It pushed me to check out Parler. Parler was very American Republican and nothing else. Since Elon has taken over Twitter, it feels less political, and there is more rounded discussion. I’m enjoying Twitter again.
TikTok is an app I feel I should use more as people make book sales there, but it terrifies me. I’m not going to force myself to do it, if I feel inspired to post there I will but I’m not too bothered about my growth.
I had an idea to do a collab feature on YouTube called The Author Diaries. We found it challenging to find a time we were all free but I am still interested in doing this. In the meantime, I will create content for my YouTube channel on writing a book reviews.
BookBub, Goodreads, and Litsy are social apps for readers. I’m not very active on these except to post reviews. I can’t see that changing.
Reviews: Reviews are really important for a books visibility, so I will be tracking how many I have and – eek – remind my readers to leave reviews.
Personal
Skincare routine: I haven’t really bothered with my skincare or makeup products during 2022 as I tried to save money. It could be aging or my lack of care but my skin is in need of some attention. For 2023, I will invest in some nice products and look after my skin better.
Visit Jimmy’s Farm: My mum treated me to an annual pass so we can go whenever we like. We will be making the most of that. The pass also includes discounts at other places so we could check them out too.
Date Nights: My hubby and I are both busy working, looking after the kids, keeping up appearances with friends & family that we barely have quality time together. When we are together we are often exhausted. My hubby and I have agreed that we will try harder this year to make time for each other.
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Smashwords End of Year Sale!
15 Dec marks the start of the Smashwords End of Year Sale. This year it’s bigger than ever due to the merger with Draft 2 Digital.
Ocean Heart has been included in the sale. You can grab yourself a copy at the discounted price up until 1 January!
It’s the perfect opportunity to load up your eReader of choice. Stay warm and snuggled up with your book bargains.
Many reviews of Ocean Heart can be found on Goodreads & Amazon, but I have zero reviews on Smashwords.
If you love a book, leave a review. It’s the best way to support an author for free, and helps more people discover the book.
[kofi]
Catch up with a cuppa Ko-Fi (July 2022)
Here is the low down on what I posted on Ko-Fi last month, so you don’t miss out!
Sky Heart – Briefed my cover designer
Taking those next steps towards publishing book two is very exciting. It’s still a way off, but I’ve reached out to my cover designer to discuss ideas and book in.
An update on what I was doing in July. Originally I’d toyed with the idea of doing a project for Camp NaNo.
Instead, I was busy planning my husband’s secret party, and attending all the end of school/nursery events for my kids.
In the end, I was working on remaining present on social media by developing content. This included opportunities to feature in Felixstowe Magazine and interviews with other bloggers.
Smashwords Summer Sale (July)
I posted at the start and end of July to make people aware that Ocean Heart was in the Smashwords sale at 50% off. This needed some prompting and content to spread the word.
Coming Soon – Author Diaries
I’ve also been busy working on this collaborative project, and developing content to start promoting.
Subscribe to my YouTube channel and stay tuned for more info coming soon.
Follow me on Ko-Fi
It’s free to follow me on Ko-Fi and be sure you don’t miss out on my latest news, or any freebies. You can buy me a virtual cuppa or merchandise from my shop, including a signed copy of my book.
[Kofi]
Catch up with a cuppa Ko-Fi (June 2022)
Here is the low down on what I posted on Ko-Fi last month, so you don’t miss out!
Another draft chapter on Ko-Fi. I wonder how this will compare to final version once Sky Heart is edited, formatted, and published.
I can’t wait for the holidays and to relax. My best friends wedding was a busy weekend but the lead up to finishing school has been crazy. I’m literally taking one day at a time.
Sky Heart – Sent off to the editor
This is a HUGE milestone. I can’t wait to see what my editor has to say. She is fabulous at slapping me with the truth in a way that doesn’t hurt and helps me make my story better. I know there will be a lot of work but I’m ready for it.
Summer Sale
Just a quick reminder that Ocean Heart is half price in the Smashwords Summer Sale. Grab a copy on discount before the end of July.
Follow me on Ko-Fi
It’s free to follow me on Ko-Fi and be sure you don’t miss out on my latest news, or any freebies. You can buy me a virtual cuppa or merchandise from my shop, including a signed copy of my book.
[Kofi]
Catch up with a cuppa Ko-Fi (May 2022)
Here is the low down on what I posted on Ko-Fi last month, so you don’t miss out!
This month I posted another chapter of Sky Heart. Now you can read two chapters on Ko-Fi.
I realised I hadn’t shared how my website update went so finally did this.
I’m getting close to finishing my self edit and shared where I’m up to with the plot hole fixes.
Follow me on Ko-Fi
It’s free to follow me on Ko-Fi and be sure you don’t miss out on my latest news, or any freebies. You can buy me a virtual cuppa or merchandise from my shop, including a signed copy of my book.
[Kofi]
Catch up with a cuppa Ko-Fi (Apr 2022)
Here is the low down on what I posted on Ko-Fi last month, so you don’t miss out!
In this post I introduce my Camp NaNo project and goals.
I share my first chapter of Sky Heart. This has only been self edited and needs to go through professional edits but I thought it’d be fun to share a little of my work in progress.
I shared how I was progressing towards my NaNo goal, what has gone well and what I still need to work on.
Follow me on Ko-Fi
It’s free to follow me on Ko-Fi and be sure you don’t miss out on my latest news, or any freebies. You can buy me a virtual cuppa or merchandise from my shop, including a signed copy of my book.
[Kofi]
What I did for World Book Day!
I delivered my first ever face-to-face author event for World Book Day. It was extra special because I got to attend the high school where my book Ocean Heart is set.
The Setting
Ocean Heart is set in Felixstowe. When I started writing the novel there were two high schools in the town. Deben High School and Orwell High School, both named after local rivers. The two schools had some rivalry and I didn’t want my book about that so I merged the schools together and made Felixstowe High School.
Little did I know that the council were going to do this. The old schools were knocked down and a new modern building erected.
I’ve never had the opportunity to visit the high school so it was really fun to see if it was anything like I imagined. The school was lovely, and very modern, and a lot bigger. I was very impressed.
The students
I met up with groups of five to six students from Key Stage 3. The plan was to introduce myself, and my book, and discuss what had inspired my writing.
I’m not great at public speaking, so I took a notebook with some conversation bullet points to boost my confidence and feel more prepared. I’m not sure what I’m scared will happen, other than making a fool of myself.
The students were very sweet and polite. Once I flipped the attention off myself and onto them, I was able to relax and the conversation flowed better.
We discussed my writing, debut novel, and reading. The students came up with some great questions for me, some that madrWhen we discussed their interests they even had some book recommendations for me.
The book recommendations
My notebook came in handy to write down the books the students recommended I read.
Reflection
I’m so thankful to Felixstowe High School for having me. I appreciated that Deputy Head, Darren M arranged for me to chat with a small groups rather than in-front of a large audience.
Darren also got me thinking about delivering some leisure learning courses for Creative Writing. I’ve been going over old books, notes from courses I’ve done, to explore the idea. Ifurther
I think the more I do, the easier it will get. As a natural introvert, I have to push myself outside my comfort zone but this is good for my professional development. Plus, afterwards I was buzzing that I did it.
Discover Ocean Heart
You can pick up Ocean Heart from all good book shops and online retailers, and borrow through your library or Overdrive.
First Kiss – Valentine’s Reading of Ocean Heart by Ally Aldridge
Published to YouTube on 15th February 2022
All The Twos Reading Challenge
This post contains affiliate links. To learn more, please visit my Affiliate Disclosure page.
I’ve set myself a challenge for 2022 to read as many book twos as I can. I often start a series and never get to the next book so I have plenty of choice. Join in with the hashtag #AllTheTwos
Check out the link at the end to get a free printable to track you books read!
I’m planning to publish book two this year. Enjoying amazing book twos is sure to keep me motivated to publish mine.
Here are ten, 2nd in the series, books I’m looking forward to reading in 2022:
Sea Witch Rising by Sarah Henning
You can read my review of book one, Sea Witch, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-sea-witch-by-sarah-henning/
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard
You can read my review of book one, Red Queen, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-red-queen/
Holiday Date by Debbie Ioanna
You can read my review of book one, Blind Date, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/reading-challenge-blind-date-by-debbie/
Kairos by Naomi Kelly
You can read my review of book one, Meraki, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-meraki-by-naomi-kelly/
Essentia by Hannah Reed
You can read my review of book one, Tenebrasco, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-tenebrasco-by-hannah-reed/
Awaken by K.S Marsden
You can read my review of book one, Winter Trials, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-winter-trials-by-k-s-marsden/
This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron
You can read my review of this authors debut novel, Cinderella is Dead, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-cinderella-is-dead/
A Court of Mist & Fury by Sarah J Mass
You can read my review of book one, A Court of Thorns and Roses, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses/
Dance of Despair by Kara S Weaver
You can read my review of book one, Crown of Conspiracy, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/reading-challenge-crown-of-conspiracy-by-kara-s-weaver/
The Almost Boyfriend by Christina Benjamin
You can read my review of book one, The Practice Boyfriend, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-the-practice-boyfriend-by-christina-benjamin/
Bright New Penny by Grace Herbst
You can read my review of book one, Brave New Girl, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/reading-challenge-brave-new-girl-by-grace-herbst/
Wiccan Romance: Sam’s Story by Nicola Hebron
You can read my review of book one, Wiccan Romance: Amelia’s Story, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/reading-challenge-amelias-story-by-nicola-hebron/
Forever Frozen by Trinity Lemm
I am currently reading book one, Forever Burn, but hopefully should have a review very soon!
FREE Book Tracker
I created this freebie for my followers on Ko-Fi. It’s free to follow me there and in return you will updates on my writing, be able to buy exclusive merchandise, and access to my Freebies.
Link to product in Redfae’s Ko-Fi Shop: https://ko-fi.com/s/31eb6ec8bf
[kofi]
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