A new year is a great time to look back at the previous year and assess where you are to then set up new goals. Well, some of my old goals from 2022 have followed me into 2023. In particular, I did not finish a book in 2023. Mostly because of life, but also because my editor (my husband) prioritized his life and the golf season won over everything else. Even though I live in the northeast, the golf season lasts from April until mid-November when the course where we are members closes. That gives him at least 7 1/2 months of golfing. And then the rest of his time, of course, is dedicated to his business. Where does that leave me and my books? Somewhere near the bottom of his Top 10 To-Do list.

So what does that mean for me? It is looking more and more like I need to find an editor, one who is dedicated to reading and editing for her clients. And yes, someone I would have to pay. That is what has been holding me back. How do I find someone who is really good at their job so that I know my money is paying for a professional? If you've read any of my blogs you know that I can write, which means I want someone who is at least as qualified and knowledgeable as I am and also someone I can trust. I'm not sure, despite all the reading I've done and writer's magazines I've perused, where exactly to look for such a person. There are so many scammers out there it is nearly impossible to trust anyone, in particular people you find online. Anyone can throw up a quickie website and make up a few false reviews that say they are the best, etc.

But beyond the old and completing those novels first (I have about 3 months time if I'm sticking with my original editor), I have at least two other books I plan to complete this year, as well. One I wrote during NaNoWriMo in Nov., 2019, and the other is a non-fiction book about my dogs, Pomeranians in particular. All of this means, I have a busy year ahead!