This year has been a real sockdolager, which is from the ancient Greek for “to be hit upside the head with a sack of rocks.” I shall spare you the graphic details, but let’s just say, having two significant (and overlapping no less!) health events in one year is two too many.

While I haven’t been able to do a single school visit, as I had hoped, I’ve chosen not to succumb to despair (I hear it causes wrinkles). And so, I am setting my trusty Fisher-Price binoculars toward next year. So far, I’ve registered to participate in a book festival, volunteered for World Read Aloud Day, committed to a writing retreat with friends and will join in the SCBWI-Michigan spring conference. Each time I commit to an event, it fluffs the hope in my heart and I hear, Better days are ahead.

May I encourage you to do the same, my little cinnamon spice donuts?

Consider . . .

Starting or joining a new critique group

Entering a writing contest

Revisiting some of your more “seasoned” (aka old) manuscripts to see if they sprout fresh inspiration

Registering for a writing workshop

Getting a jump on next year can keep your batteries charged for when you’re ready to use them again. And you will. I’m sure of it. You’re too full of creativity, imagination, curiosity and wonder to stall out now, my little pumpkin tart. Better days are ahead!

What are your plans for the coming year? I’d love to hear. You’ll inspire me.

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all. ~ Emily Dickinson

Hold fast to dreams,
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird,
That cannot fly. ~ Langston Hughes