PERSONAL HEALTH
1. Don’t die.
I still have fluid trapped behind my eardrum after more than a month, making it impossible to hear out of my left ear, and now I think it might kill me. I am losing my mind.
2. Lose 20 pounds.
I gained three more pounds in November, mostly because extenuating circumstances have kept me from the gym. Twelve pounds down and eight to go. Looking unlikely...
3. Do at least 100 push-ups and 100 sit-ups five days a week.
Done.
4. Practice yoga at least three days a week.
My shoulder is fully healed. I am ready to begin. I plan to jumpstart my yoga practice at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in a week.
WRITING CAREER
5. Complete my fifth novel before the end of February.
Done!
6. Complete my sixth novel.
I have two novels that are more than halfway finished and one that is finished but requires a complete re-write. However, I'm not sure if any of these will be my next novel.
Not surprising, my editor has some say in this.
I turned in final revisions on my next book today, so the decision process begins next week. The book will not be finished by the end of the year.
7. Write a proposal for a middle grade novel.
Done! The editor and her team love the book. Some minor revisions are needed, and then we hope to have an offer.
I begin those revisions next week.
8. Write at least three new picture books.
One of my now former students and I are writing a picture book. Now that we are back in school, work has commenced again. Our first draft should be completed soon.
In November, I wrote a picture book about the Presidential election that I sent to my agent and a children's book editor. Both had very good things to say about the book but feel that it is too closely aligned with a specific moment in history to be marketable.
I was disappointed. I think it's a great book. I'm thinking of finding an illustrator and creating a version of the book online.
One more picture book to go. I've already started writing it.
9. Complete a book proposal for a book on storytelling.
Done! Five chapters are finished now, plus an outline and comparisons have been re-sent to my agent. She LOVES it. Hopefully a publisher loves it just as much.
10. Write a new screenplay
No progress yet. I could bang out an idea in a week if I really apply myself.
11. Write a musical for a summer camp
Done! I had the pleasure of watching the musical performed at the summer camp, and it was fantastic.
12. Publish at least one Op-Ed in The New York Times.
I've submitted two Op-Ed pieces to the New York Times and been rejected both times.
I am still working on a new piece. I hope to submit this month.
13. Publish an article in an educational journal.
No progress yet.
14. Submit one or more short stories to at least three publishing outlets.
No progress yet.
15. Select three behaviors that I am opposed to and adopt them for one week, then write about my experiences on the blog.
I spent a week backing my car into parking spots (which initially struck me as insane) and wrote about it in August. It actually received a lot of attention from readers.
In September I engaged in a month of daily affirmations. I am nearly finished writing about my experience.
In November, I engaged in the "sport" of bottle flipping, which is all the rage amongst many young people. I will also be writing about my experience this month.
16. Increase my author newsletter subscriber base to 1,000.
Done! My subscriber list now stands at 1,220 readers. My list has grown by 34% in 2016.
If you'd like to join the masses and receive my monthly newsletter, which contains a writing and storytelling tip, an Internet recommendation, book recommendations, free giveaways, and more, subscribe here: