Month: February 2019

Month in Review-February ’19

Here we are, at the end of another month. So that means it is time to check in and see how it went. Read on for a glimpse at my February 2019 Month in Review.

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This little spot here:

I feel good about my blogging efforts this month. This will be my second post for the month, which means I hit my goal. I made a goal for my career that included posting two blog posts each month. I felt this was something I could handle as I got back to doing what I love.

Now, I often feel like I should be doing more, but I am working hard to stifle my need to compare. Comparison to another person often leads to disappointment. No one likes disappointment, so why set yourself up for failure. I had let my blog go dark for way too long. I was a bit depressed, but not writing did not help me. Looking back, I totally should have been writing anyway, it may have gotten me out on the other side a little sooner. I want to see what my readers want more of, so make sure you leave a comment to tell me just that.

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Being a Wordsmith:

I don’t feel quite as good as I want to about this item. I have stopped going forward with my latest story, Camille, because I got stuck in the wheres and hows needed to move the story forward. In response to this, I have been on a month long journey to learn more about planning and plotting novels.

My idea was that I could plan, more fully, what I wanted to say in the book, then re-plot my original idea into a complete story. The re-plot would be a more detailed road map of where I was going and how I might get there. I still think this is a grand idea, unfortunately anxiety indecision has struck. Deciding on a plan has been hard. I just keep finding more and more websites and videos on how to do it.

There has also been no starting the re-plot because I can’t seem to land on a plotting scheme that fits. I am doing the same as with the planning. My anxiety often rears its head in my thoughts as I can’t get it right, because I don’t have enough information. I make copious notes on what I need to do, without doing much else. I endeavor to break this cycle next month.

On the other hand, some positive movement is happening with my finished manuscript. It is titled Life in Time, but I am pretty sure it won’t stick! Anyway, I have been researching developmental edits. In this type of edit the editor will look at your story, making sure it is a fully realized story, the characters are well rounded, the pace is good, etc. So, I have movement on that and a plan. It makes me happy.

Image by CharuTyagi on Pixabay

Daily Efforts:

My habit tracker is looking good, mostly filled in. I hurt my leg late last month, so my goals for walking have been left in the dust. Hardly any walking was done this month. I also realized through my habit tracking, that I need a better cleaning system/schedule. I am leaving a lot of cleaning on the table, so to speak, as I go through my days. So, next month I “plan” to have a better plan. Hah!

Now, as far as journaling is concerned, nope! I really didn’t do well here. Very little mention of gratitude, very few entries as to my days. I don’t really know why this happened. Journaling and seeking daily gratitude are goals in my emotion category. I feel it not only helps me process my feelings, but I often look back on it and realize things weren’t half as bad as I thought.

What’s the March Plan?

This is a great question for the end of the month. Looking back to see what worked for you and what didn’t. Then you can tweak your plans and goals to get the results you desire.

I believe, my blogging goals are okay, for now. I am working on consistency first. Writing needs some work. I must buckle down and stop the endless educational loop I’m in. If I need to go back and revisit something, I will. But, I’m hoping to spend more time plotting in order to get back to the story. With habits and journaling, I am committing more time to actually journaling. Or at least, jot down a one sentence gratitude. These things make me feel better, more aware, and show me the positive when I have forgotten. I also plan to work on that cleaning schedule and get to work. Next month, I need to have a better report in that area.

Alright, I’ve shared my wobbly month, how about you? Did you make goals at the beginning of the month? Did you meet them, some of them? Let me know. And don’t forget to let me know what kinds of things you like to read about here.

Happily waiting,

Janshea

Books for February 2019

A few days into February and I thought it would be good to share some of the books I am looking forward to. These four books, coming this month, are set to be great reads. Here are my sought after books for February.

1. On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

On the Come Up is Angie Thomas’ sophomore offering. Her first book, The Hate You Give, was a bestseller that was made into a film. Ms. Thomas writes biting fiction that reflects the often dangerous world of young black kids. On the Come Up was published on February 5th and tells the story of young Bri striving to be a great rapper. Her road to stardom is fraught with looming homelessness, and the reality of becoming who you are meant to be. Furthermore, it seems to be a honest look at the struggle of staying solvent when you are poor and working class.

2. An Unconditional Freedom by Alyssa Cole

An Unconditional Freedom is the third and last installment of Ms. Cole’s Loyal League series. These books take place during the time of the American Civil War and centers on slaves and freed slaves interacting in the turmoil of the times. In this book, we meet a freed man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. He is eventually freed and joins the Loyal League, a collection of spies working to take down the Confederacy. I have enjoyed the first two books, which you can find here, and look forward to An Unconditional Freedom. Only problem is I have to wait until February 26th!

3. Separate by Steve Luxenberg

This book has a long subtitle, and I didn’t think it would fit in the heading. Specifically, Separate: The Story of Plessy v Ferguson, and America’s Journey from Slavery to Segregation, is the actual title. I wonder why that couldn’t have been shortened. It is a mouthful! This Supreme Court case ushered in the devastating idea of “separate but equal”. And if you know anything about American history, you know how disastrous that was. It set a dangerous precedent with far reaching implications. The book covers around 50 years in the lives of those involved with the case. It sounds fascinating for this history fan and drops on February 12th.

4. The Source of Self-Regard by Toni Morrison

I adore reading Toni Morrison. Her books always stretch my brain and makes me feel. A really huge deal in my world. This latest book, due February 12th, is a bit of a history of Toni Morrison collection. It includes essays, speeches, and meditations from the author over the past 40 years. That’s also its subtitle. The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations is the full name. Ms. Morrison has a sharp mind and a sweeping view on race and how it impacts us. I’ve never read her nonfiction work, so I look forward to this peek into her mind.