Ally Aldridge Blogging, Goal setting, Goals, Writing

Reflecting on 2018

The year is coming to an end and as I look back I am really pleased with what I have achieved.

What I used from 2017

I ended 2017 by reflecting on what I had learnt in my first year of blogging. 

When I look back at my Reflecting on 2017 post, I still use a lot of the tools and tricks I learnt in my first year of blogging. 

Things I no longer do is embed Instagram pictures within my blog posts as they no longer seem to work.  I also stopped using LoCal.

I am disappionted that I didn’t put what I learnt about creative writing into practice.  Writing blog posts feels easier than writing a novel as I can dip in and out more easily, whereas when I write a novel I like to get into the chapter and write a chunk – nowadays, I struggle to find the time for that.

Progress towards 2018 Goals

I have acheieved 82% of the goals I set at the start of 2018.  I’ve also achieved goals that I hadn’t anticipated such as article writing for an online magazine.  I particpated in NaPoWriMo (poetry writing) which is outside my confort zone and really stretched and challenged me.  I also hit my NaNoWriMo word count goal.

Personal life

I’ve also felt positive about my personal achievements this year.  I completed my CIPD HR Diploma which is a professional qualification.  I gave birth to my beautiful daughter Aria Rose. 

I’ve also been making the most of my materntiy leave by being actively involved in activities at my son’s school such as parent phonic classes and parent maths classes (so I can better support him with his homework).  I have also been making it to the Stay & Play sessions.  I am out attending groups with my baby and making new mum friends for her and we are currently doing baby massage classes together.  

I have really enjoyed including some blogs posts about my personal life and will continue to do so next year.

What is in store for 2019?

Well more personal posts for sure but I need to set some goals to get my focus back on my fiction writing as getting published is my lifelong ambition. Check back early January to see the goals I set to keep progressing.

If you have enjoyed this post, you may like:

Reflection on 2017

Goals for 2018

Reflecting on NaPoWriMo

NaNo Progress Diary (the end)


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Ally Aldridge Goal setting, Writing

Valentine Poetry Collection

Last year, on Wattpad I set myself a challenge. For the first 14 days in February, I posted one ‘romantic’ themed poem everyday.

I already hIce Cream Partyad a number of draft poems on Opuss but that didn’t make the challenge any easier.  First, I had to identify which poem to post.  Next, I had to edit them (they weren’t great).  Then, I had to remember to post one every day.

 

Poetry is not one of my strong points.  It’s always hard putting my writing out there for others to read and judge but with poetry it’s harder.  It’s raw, personal and makes me feel vulnerable.

Somehow we are already into the second week of February without me noticing, so, I won’t be doing my challenge this year. I’m a bit disappointed as I find it healthy to challenge myself and go outside my comfort zone.  It helps me develop as a writer to do something new, something difficult.

I will still add one more to the collection for Valentines day 2018.  Now I’ve promised, I’ll have to do it!  Please click here to view the collection from last year (and check up on me and see if I kept my word).