How’s 2021 so far?
As this helpful, stress-inducing Twitter account states, 2021 is more than 30% finished so I figured I should check on my bookish resolutions. Here’s how I’m doing so far:
1) Finish my novel manuscript. I started work on a novel in late November 2019, worked on it within my writing gang, but also lost my way/interest. I want to finish it this year. Inshallah.
So…I haven’t made much progress on my novel manuscript, but I have been exploring writing short stories more and that’s been really fun.
2) Submit at least 12 pieces for publication in 2021. There was a time in my life when I was shooting my shot more and I want to return to that. I submitted two pieces the last week of December 2020 because I want to keep that same energy for this year.
So far I’ve only, strike that, I’ve submitted 2 /12 pieces (your girl is 0 for 2, but we move) this year BUT I also submitted an application to Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation - VONA/Voices 2021 Summer Workshop and was accepted! I’m super thankful and really excited to participate in this writing workshop (my 2nd!) and proud of myself for shooting my shot!
3) Return my library books in a more timely manner. It’s hard because my (talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show-stopping, spectacular…) library system did away with late fees (which is a great step to address inequity), but I’m actually someone who needs the deadline to get my life together.
I have returned only 2 library books late this year. Please clap. I could make excuses (limited time to get to the library before it closes on the weekday and the fact that my library system still doesn’t allow for dropping off books yet, despite what we know about how COVID-19 is transmitted…), but I’m making it a goal to turn them in on time and that’s made me prioritize which books I pick up and finish and has made me quicker to stop books that I’m not feeling. “And no, I ain't perfect, Nobody walkin' this earth's surface is, But, girlfriend, work with the kid.”-Jay-Z
4) Continue checking in with my writing gang. Needs no elaboration, but I love these women. Consistently checking in with them last year was such a blessing and often provided the encouragement I needed to make progress on my projects.
This has been challenging. I think Zoom fatigue has hit us hard and with our area opening up more slowly schedules are starting to fill up. We’re hoping to resume meeting in-person since we’re vaccinated.
5) ??? One thing I’m learning is to leave room for unexpected good things that might happen. Last year, I had the opportunity to participate in a conference for writers of color which I didn’t even know existed at the beginning of 2021. So I’m leaving room for a serendipitous 5th bookish goal.
Being accepted to participate in VONA/Voices 2021 Summer Workshop was definitely an unexpected good thing. Another unexpected good thing is seeing that Deesha Philyaw (if you haven’t read “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies” yet, please do yourself a favor…) is teaching a writing course! So obviously, I signed up for that.