Year’s end is always a time to reflect on your accomplishments and challenge yourself for the upcoming twelve months.

So here’s some of the things I’ve been able to accomplish in my writing life: I had two poems published in East on Central, an anthology published locally. The Highland Park Poetry group also published two more of my poems. I also participated on a few of their open mic nights and met several incredible poets. I also joined some local poet societies but have yet to attend any meetings.

I won a short story contest at the Zion Library! Since short stories are not my forte, I was ecstatic! What I discovered was limiting yourself to a thousand words tightens your writing. I found it to a be process, but a rewarding process.

I was asked to help put together a mini-writers conference at the Zion Library and was able to secure a local author, Fern Schumer Chapman, and Kristin Oakley from the Madison, Wisconsin area. I worked with fellow writer Jim Payne to present a workshop on how to create a memorable character that stays with you long after you reached the end. With that experience, I have a greater appreciation for the hard work any conference organizer goes through.

My writing goals for 2019 are to finish revising one novel and begin on the next. I also will be attending the Writers Institute Conference in April. I also will submit a persona poem for Highland Park’s sesquicentennial. A few more poems for East on Central are slated for submission as well.

As always, I will continue to develop the craft and expand my efforts.

Happy New Year!