Because of my early success with my original goal for 2022, three pretty huge sub-goals came about that I never expected.

When the day of the first class arrived, I was so nervous. A part of my brain was screaming “Bail, abort mission, evasive maneuvers!”

I gave my YouTube thumbnails a makeover. Plus other updates about writing, reading, and publishing.

In all I’d say I spent about 20 hours on this one 48-minute video, between the editing, processing, diagnosing, etc. Certainly, if they were all like that, my YouTube career would be very short-lived.

My elementary school library at Mount Tabor Elementary was magical. I think back on that now and can’t believe such an incredible space existed where kids were encouraged to climb and crawl and explore and read.

The weirdest outcome thus far of the fact that I took on a new years resolution of reigniting my love of writing is that I’ve fallen in love with YouTube.

Oof, I crashed and burned on my #1 April goal.

When I had free time, I thought of all the school reading I should do instead, and it made me feel ashamed about reading something that wasn’t for my studies. I felt a weird hollow spot in the cozy nook of my heart that books used to fill.

Who doesn’t love a mythological beast? The stuff of nightmares, legends, and campfire stories since the dawn of humanity.

I didn’t know that this would be where my 2022 resolution lead me. But I am thrilled that this is where I’ve ended up.

“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.”
-Terry Pratchett

This shit ain’t easy. While it is easier than ever to have a book on the market, but “making it” as an author is harder than ever. Over FOUR MILLION books were published last year.

I’m proud to say I have (mostly) completed all of my February goals. Now time to keep “March”ing forward.

The idea of a “zero draft” really lowered the barrier to entry for me. It’s okay if I my story is a patchwork of plot points right now. It’s okay if I don’t know how chapter two will look yet. That shouldn’t stop me from writing chapter one.

The assignment: tell a true story about my life in 2021, in 21 words or fewer.

There are two types of writers; “Pantsers” and “Plotters”. Pantsers are folks who “fly by the seat of their pants” as they write, while Plotters are folks who plan what they will write ahead of time.

A good book can challenge your beliefs and worldview, make you think about life’s big questions, ponder political structures and systems of oppression, and expand your mind. Restricting books anywhere is an affront to civil society everywhere.

Reflections on word games, positivity, and favorite five-letter words.

I left my post yesterday feeling unfinished, even though I said a lot. The lack of concrete-ness in my goals still bothered me.

I’m thrilled to report that I fulfilled my goal with 100% success! Not only did I accomplish my goal, but in doing so, I completed my New Year’s resolution as well.