Happy New Year. Are you ready to embrace 2024? Do you ever look back at the year that was and consider whether it all went to plan? Or do you consider the possibilities that the new year might bring? As a writer or business owner most people often take the time to see what they have achieved (or not) and how they might move forward. Join me as I reflect on 2023 and look forward to 2024. Then, perhaps you too, might like to reflect on the year that was, and plan for the year that is just beginning.
2023 in One Word. - Contentment
I was happy to stay home, continue to focus on my health with lots of walks and exercise. Spend time with my family and friends and even squeeze in a bit of writing time most days.
My Biggest Challenge in 2023 - Finding time to write.
I realised that it was taking way too long to complete book 4 in my Adamson Adventures, Tracks in the Mist. It was a story I had been planning since writing book 3, Fossil Frenzy. We had finally managed our trip to Tasmania in July 2022 for me to complete my research for the setting, and twelve months later I had still not progressed the story any further. I learnt that small steps are important. It doesn’t matter if I don’t sit down to write for hours each day, as long as I write a little bit, it all adds up and eventually the story is complete. It’s important to be kind to myself and not to stress over timing. Everything gets done in its own time.
If you would like a few suggestions on how to find time to write, visit Here for some great strategies.
The Happiest Day of 2023 - Too many to name one.
Days spent visiting my grandson in Perth and my two grandchildren who live right here next to me.
Days connecting with readers at book events and writing workshops.
Reaching my goal of walking up several of the hills and mountains around Canberra.
The days we celebrated milestone birthdays for both hubby and myself.
This year I have already had more enjoyable days with all my family together and look forward to many more. I will try to organise more school visits. With two new book releases this year, I hope to engage more kids in the joy of reading. I also plan to continue to challenge myself with my walks, and am excited to be doing this later in the year in the Lakes District in England.
I had the opportunity to read and chat with families, at the National Dinosaur Museum twice this year.
One Change or Difficult Decision made? Deciding to self-publish again.
As I said earlier, life is pretty content for me. I am generally a happy person and grateful for the life I share with my family and friends. I continued to strive for fitness and good health and encouraged my hubby to join me.
The biggest most difficult decision was regarding my writing. I had been working on a picture book manuscript for quite some time. I had sent it for manuscript assessments, re-written and edited it over and over. My big mistake was to send it out to submission to publishers too soon. I should have known it wasn’t ready. I believe strongly in this story, and am sure it will delight and inspire many young readers, that’s why Dragons Drumming is now being published by myself and will be released next month.
This year when I finished my next manuscript, I won’t be in such a rush to submit it to publishers. I know to go slow, take my time and be more cautions before sending it out into the world.
Need help to choose your correct path? Here are 3 Ways to Help Make Decisions Easier.
Regrets - None
As I said last year, I don’t believe in regrets. There is no point dwelling on what might have or could have been. It is better to keep moving forward with whatever cards in life we are dealt and do our best to make the life we have as happy as we can. I could say I regretted submitting Dragons Drumming too soon, but it did lead me to produce the beautiful quality book myself I now am proud to release it.
What am I excited about for this year?
The release of Dragons Drumming next month. This picture book has been so beautifully illustrated and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.
The release of Tracks in the Mist, The Adamson Adventures 4, in June. I am so proud of this chapter book. It’s been too long coming and I can’t wait to share it with readers of the series.
Our trip to the UK and Europe in March/April. We planned this holiday last year but put it off to focus on our health. I have done my research on walks, monoliths and standing stones and there are so many wonderful places I am excited to see.
Picture book - Dragons Drumming, written by Sandra Bennett, illustrated by Maya Bora.
The Most Courageous Thing I did in 2023. - I climbed mountains.
Both physically and metaphorically. I pushed myself to my physical limits determined to reach heights I never thought I could. I am determined to not let my Parkinson’s diagnosis prevent me from doing all the things I still want to achieve. This year I will push even further out of my comfort zone with my book marketing. You may even see me attempting reels on Instagram.
Long walks in the bush, challenging myself to climb steep hills, keeps me grounded, fit, healthy and happy. It also allows me time for contemplation.
My Biggest Accomplishment in 2023
Finishing Tracks in the Mist, the Adamson Adventures 4, to be released June 2024, while continuing to increase the length of my walks and hours spent exercising. This year I intend to continue on my path of wellness while publishing and marketing these two wonderful new books to bring them to readers everywhere so that they too, may enjoy the love of reading stories.
Tracks in the Mist, the Adamson Adventures 4.
Look out 2024, here I come. Are you ready?
I hope you are now ready to complete your own reflection and head into the next adventure that is 2024.
If not, perhaps consider reading a few other author’s perspectives. I will list them below.