Hey, everyone. Today is the last day of 2020. If you’re like most people there aren’t many words more welcomed than those. This has been a trying year in more ways than one.
It was what I expected to be a great year. 2020 had a nice ring to it. We were twenty years into the millennium. And I welcomed it on Instagram.
But the novelty soon faded. Naturally, there are a few words and phrases I wish I’d never heard.
- Social distancing
- COVID-19
- Pandemic
- Contactless delivery (or pickup)
- Quarantine
- Shelter in place
- Wear a mask
- Stay six feet apart
Sadly, these have become the norm, but I try to look for positives in everything. Here are a few:
- More online meetings. I hope these stay around after the pandemic ends.
- Having more quality time at home
- Focusing on family and what’s really important
- More home-cooked meals and less eating out
- My husband and I played more games this year. Board games – not the online stuff
I didn’t achieve my goal of publishing a short-story and novel this year. I’d like to blame it on COVID. That may not be far from the truth. In my day job (the one that pays the bills), I do a daily report for COVID stats. A few times this year I’ve had what I call COVID fatigue, but a few days of vacation work wonders. I can only imagine what the front-line healthcare workers feel.
Looking toward 2021, my short-story, House of Sorrow, needs a final read-through and edit, then it will be ready for publication. I’m looking at late February.
The novel, Cold Dark Night, is almost 90% completed. Because House of Sorrow is a prequel, I’d like to publish the two of them within two months. Fingers crossed for April. The covers are ready for both books, so I’ll be revealing them in the coming weeks.
I’m still toying with the idea of a book of short stories as well as planning the second book of the Legends of Madeira series, Blood Red Dawn.
Blogging wise, I hope to post twice a week. Mystery Mondays will continue on a monthly basis. I have an idea for a new monthly series as well. Otherwise, my posts will be random days. And as always, I love to have guests. So, if you have a new book release or if you’re promoting an older release and would like for me to host you, just use the contact form. My only stipulation is that I don’t post on weekends and prefer not to post on Fridays.
And now, as we approach 2021, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year. As for 2020, here’s today’s Instagram photo:
33 Responses
I completely agree with your Instagram photo, Joan! Here’s to a better year for all of us filled with happiness and joy! xo
Totally agree, Denise. Here’s to better times ahead!
Personally Joan, I wouldn’t mind if the door did hit it on the way out. It had it coming!
You have a point there. 😀 Happy New Year, Jaye and Anita!
All the best to you for the coming year, Joan. Cheers, Jon.
Thank you, Jon and the same to you!
So true, Joan, all of it. My husband and I even tackled a puzzle or two. May this coming year be one of many unexpected blessings. Happy New Year! 💗
I love jigsaw puzzles. Haven’t worked one in years. I can just see my cats tearing it apart or eating the little pieces. Happy New Year to you, Gwen!
I think tabletop board games are SO much fun because you get the game itself plus the fun of interacting with the person across the table. Good luck polishing up your short story and related novel. Happy New Year!
I agree about the board games. Lots of personal interaction with other players. Wishing you a Happy New Year, Priscilla.
Wishing you and yours a healthy, happy, and peaceful New Year, Joan 🙂
Thank you, Harmony! Wishing you the same!
Best Wishes for a MUCH Happier New Year, Joan, for you and for everyone. After 2020, I think we deserve it! 🙂
I think we do too, Marcia! Happy New Year to you!
This too, shall pass. I like the fact that you looked for the positive, Joan. Happy New Year!
I always try to look at the positive, but sadly allow the negative to sometimes weigh me down. Happy New Year, Mark!
Thank you, Joan. I hear you, it can be so difficult, at times, to stay focused on the positive when it seems that everything is deteriorating. I guess a proper mindsight is just a daily habit we have to stick with. I wish all the best for you and yours in 2021. 🙂
All the best to you for 2021, Joan. I think your Instagram post is on target. Happy New Year.
I don’t think anyone will be sad to see this year go. Happy New Year, John!
I agree.
Happy New Year, Joan! 🎉🍾
A very Happy New Year to you as well, Jill!
Sounds like you have a busy Spring ahead of you. Happy New Year, and I’m cheering for you.
Thanks, Craig. I really appreciate that. Happy New Year to you as well!
I also didn’t manage to get my book out this year, Joan. It wasn’t for lack of trying, it was just a much bigger exercise and took longer. I look forward to seeing your cover reveals and book launches.
Thanks, Robbie. Wishing you all the best in the new year and success with publishing.
You too, Joan.
I’m also sad at how many of our freedoms seem to have eroded–not just from the pandemic. From everything this past year. Goodbye 2020!
Unfortunately, that’s true, Jacqui. It’s a crazy world these days.
It has been quite a year, Joan, that’s for sure! I look forward to your short story and novel! We can only hope 2021 will bring us some relief from the COVID fatigue you mentioned! I wish you the best!
Thanks, Jan. All the best to you as well!
Last year was something. I refuse to say social distancing. I prefer physical distancing. I am a social person. Like most people, I hope 2021 is a much better year.
I agree, physical distancing sound much better.