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Thursday, January 2, 2020

LOOKING BACK -- LOOKING FORWARD

By Caroline Clemmons



What a year this will be! A new decade, all shiny, sparkling, and fresh. We can make it anything we wish.

Many of us take stock of our goals at this time of year, looking back. Did I accomplish those tasks I set for myself last year at this time? Well, some of them. I didn’t lose the weight I intended—again. I didn’t get the house deep cleaned—again.

The past year brought sadness. In January I lost my brother Don from heart complications. A favorite cousin, Lisa, in Oklahoma is needlessly near death from cancer that was at first misdiagnosed. (And yes, I am angry as well as sad about her plight.) My nephew Randy’s wife passed away. My cousin Ray’s son passed away, the second of his three children to die prematurely. Although sometimes not doing so is almost impossible, we can't allow ourselves to dwell on sad things.

On a more cheerful note, for someone with my moderate writing speed, I released a lot of books (eight and re-released one). I had planned to write two more but, as has often happened, life interfered.

In the coming year, I intend to actually lose weight and get more fit. Yes, I really, truly mean it this time. I do. Trust me.


Several commitments mean I have books lined up that I look forward to writing. Each is part of a multi-author project. Starting off my year I'm currently tweaking, AN AGENT FOR LYDIA, Pinkerton Matchmaker Series, which will release on January 10. Christine Sterling conceived this series and the one immediately below.




A BRIDE FOR LUKE, Proxy Bride Series, will release on February 19. Isn't this a great cover? Virginia McKevitt designed it and the one for Lydia.




STUART, Bachelors and Babies Series, releases on March 1. Charlene Raddon designed this cover and conceived the series. 

When thinking about looking back or looking forward I recall the song we sang at church on Sunday, "Count Your Blessings" My greatest blessings are my sweet Hero and two sweet daughters. I'm always grateful for them! 

Do you have resolutions or goals for the new decade? What blessings are you counting?

7 comments:

  1. I'm sorry for your losses. As I get older, I fully realize how fragile life is. Those we lose are with us always though as we tell others how special they were. I'm amazed at your writing output. I got very little written in 2019. I hope to do better. Happy New Year.

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    1. You're so busy, Joan. I'm amazed at all you accomplish. One of my all-time favorite blogs is the one about an author finishing a book. I smile even thinking about it. Happy and HEALTHY New Year.

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  2. Oh, how hard it is to lose loved ones. So sorry. But your writing, to me, is at a fabulous pace. I'm only planning to do two novellas this year. And why we are on the topic of a new year, I'm hoping I can learn to enjoy and appreciate every day more in 2020. I find myself rushing through life. Happy New Year!

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    1. I rushed through the fall and plan to enjoy life more this year. Happy New Year, Judy Ann!

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  3. I'm very sorry for your losses. I have been through many...my husband, parents, close friends. Not to mention my pets. Best of luck in 2020.
    My New Year's resolutions for 2020 are: to face the fact that things aren't always going to work out as planned
    To make new friends in my new place
    To read and write more
    Happy 2020!

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    1. You have a wonderful attitude, Nancy. Best wishes for the coming year!

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  4. Caroline, Eight books in a year is amazing! I haven't written that many, yet. I hope it's because my full-length stories end near the 80K word count. I feel inadequate when I see how quickly other authors finish their book and go to the next. "Sigh." I've been told to write shorter word lengths to get the books out there, but what can I say, I'm a storyteller, and my books don't know how to stop at the 50K mark.

    I'm sorry about your losses. It makes one wonder what's going on. Too many get cancer, too early.

    My mind is foggy, so this may not make sense. I'm coming out from under congestion, coughing, high fever and no appetite. Had it since Monday night.

    I wish everyone and their families, good health and happiness throughout this year. And I hope to have another release in July. Due to sickness, I didn't get the ms in in time. But, I'm praying my publisher will make a way for it to happen.

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