And the word for 2018 is....
Embrace.
That’s my word, my guide, my goal for 2018. To ditch doubt, look fear in the
face, upend uncertainty and embrace the “new” in new year, maybe not with a
vengeance, but with as much energy as I can.
It
won’t be easy, I’m sure. Like most humans, I’m pretty set in my ways. Change is
like a new diet or exercise routine: hard work, daunting at first, something
that can leave you aching and winded. But once you get used to it—and the
terrific way it makes you feel—it turns out to be the best thing you’ve ever
done.
So
now, as 2018 gets underway, I’m making a resolution to do my best to embrace the
challenges that come my way and pursue the ones that don’t.
This
includes:
Embracing
an ambitious writing schedule. At the risk of terminal carpal tunnel, my goal
is to complete 3 manuscripts this year—a YA semi-memoir, a paranormal romance,
and a sequel to my WWII-set time travel I hope to self-publish mid-year. Oh, self-publishing.
I guess that’s another challenge to embrace, though the idea of it scares me
spitless!
Embracing
family (when they’ll let me) and friends (when they need it). In other words, get
out of my own head and be more in the moment with others.
Embrace
my inner extrovert. Like most writers, I like nothing more than to be alone
with my fictional worlds and my characters. But writers also need other writers,
so I’ll be doing what I can to reach out and make connections, whether in
person or through social media, to improve my craft, expand my horizons, and get
my name out there.
And
speaking of names…
In
the new year, I’m embracing a new name—Janet Raye Stevens. Now, there is
nothing wrong with my old moniker, Janet Halpin, a name I’ve embraced since I entered this
world in *date redacted,* but looking to the future and all the possibilities I’m
hoping 2018 brings, I’ve decided it’s time to take a pen name. I even wrote a
poem about it to psych myself up:
There
is no shame,
and
maybe some fame,
for
a writerly dame
to
take a pen name.
Okay,
so maybe I won’t be embracing a career as a poet this year, but for all the
rest, I’m in.
I hope the new pen name gives you great happiness and success, Janet! Embrace: great word!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary--I embrace your compliment!
DeleteI think it would be tremendous fun to have an alias!!! Embrace it for sure. <3
ReplyDeleteLove your pen name...AND your word! :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteNICE. Love this word.
ReplyDeleteEmbrace is a fabulous word choice! Rock that word :)
ReplyDelete