In my plan for 2023, I have a little time and space while waiting for edits. I’ve mentioned that I am writing short stories. It’s been a very fun challenge! I’m working on a new skill set and indulging myself with exploring some of the many ideas in my idea notebook–to see if the meet-cutes need to become a larger story or if I can tell a complete narrative in less than 1,000 words.

Sometimes real-life provides the best inspiration. Not sure how or when I’ll release it, but my recent cruise included a towel-folding class that has inspired an epilogue for Love Overboard. (Still on ebook sale on Amazon, click here)

The days are getting longer and brighter here. What a difference sunshine can make! I am most productive during the summer months because of all the daylight fooling me into thinking it’s early. The same is true in reverse. But I’ve been fighting the urge to go to bed at 4pm (haha mostly because my kids’ activities keep me running around until 8pm) and am making a lot of progress.

I’ve mentioned in passing my passion project trilogy (no contracts on this one…yet!). I am plotting/outlining the final book at the moment (probably will be writing the first draft slowly over a few months), and the book has inspired a summer trip with my youngest. I love spending time with my kids and finding common interests. When writing research, common ground, and my kids combine, I feel like the luckiest gal in the world.

Speaking of love–I really do love all of my novels and am so excited to share the stories with readers. I am expecting to start editing a couple projects soon. Working with professionals on my books is the sort of pinch me moment that makes writing surreal. Getting to refine the prose into the absolute best product is a gift. I do not take any of it for granted and editing has become my favorite part of the whole process.

If you prefer paperbacks to ebooks, don’t miss a chance to grab my latest series on sale. https://www.anaiahpress.com/shop/books-40-off/15

Amazon ebook on sale for $0.99

I’m back with another great Amazon sale. If you haven’t read this one–pitched as While You Were Sleeping on a boat–this is the perfect time to grab a copy.

Forced to share a stateroom with her ex-fiancé, Caitlyn fakes amnesia to stay on board her dream Alaskan cruise. Torn over deciding his future, Cruise Director Gregory tumbles into helping her. As they grow closer, unspoken secrets threaten to rip them apart, for good.

Available on Amazon

I love a fresh start. I’m a sucker for Back to School sales. New notebooks, sharpened pencils, bright folders? Yes, please! Getting organized makes me feel good. After the holidays, I put away the decorations and open my brand new planner and get to work on mapping out the year ahead (first big picture then quarter by quarter).

But the very same-ness of every day in January, following a month of almost no routine in December, grates on my nerves. By the end of the second week, I lose track of the date because forward progress of my goals is so minimal (and it’s still so dark outside).

Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate the results of consistency. Putting in a little effort day in and day out can have a big consequence! I know this!

I’m an air sign and my rising sign is another air sign, aka I thrive on chaos. I feel stifled when every day is predictable. I like being busy. Often, January is a ramping up month with not a lot happening (besides illness and kids’ events).

My only cure is getting outside. The weather hasn’t been too cold where I live (although that is now changing) making it possible to enjoy the outdoors in little spurts. I completed a 5k mid-month and am encouraged to keep up my training for a better time in an April race.

With the help of weekday morning virtual meet-ups with friends, I finished a very strong draft of my third cowboy book. I’ve also been working on short stories, a new challenge I’m enjoying. I’m setting myself up for a good writing year and that makes me happy. When I do reflect, I have had a full and successful January. But I keep looking forward, and I’m excited for what tomorrow can bring.