One Word 2023
It’s another new year, and this year I decided to choose a word. Lots of people do this at the start of a new year, and you can read more about it on this website. In past year, I chose words like center, balance, and focus. And each year, something shifted. I hope this year is the same.
My word this year reflects many areas of my life, particularly my life as an author. Yep, I’m trying to see myself in this new role. I published Shipshape, and that exceeded my wildest dreams. It was surreal going through the process and now seeing my book in the world. It’s not over; it’s just beginning. Through the publishing process, I realized that I have barely scratched the surface of understanding publishing, and more importantly, the writing process. Knowing this, I decided to join a writing group. It’s not just any writing group, it’s a developmental writing group. It has come into my life at the exact right time.
I started a second novel during Nanowrimo, but I didn’t meet my goal. I didn’t even come close. I needed more support, more direction. I needed help beyond watching recorded webinars and author blog posts. Enter Midgey Bard and the realization of my One Word for 2023. That word is immerse. My goal for the year is to immerse myself in the world of middle grade and young adult literature. It is to immerse myself in the craft of writing and to do the important work of being a writer.
My plan is to immerse myself in reading, writing, and throwing myself into this new writing community I was so generously invited into. I’m not going to bail on meetings. I’m not going to make excuses for why I can’t. I’m going to take the energy I have when I have it and immerse myself in the process. By the end of 2023 I will have a solid idea, strong critiques, and the start of a working draft.
As of right now, my new project is set in Costa Rica, a place I have come to know over the past couple of years. This year, I will immerse myself in the stories, the people, and the environment, learning everything I can about this beautiful country.
What will you immerse yourself in this year? What is the word that will drive what you do and how you make decisions?
