New Year Around the Corner

Before I start off today's post, I want to just say that Just Perfect's sequel - still nameless - is finally finished and now in the editing phase! If you want to keep up to date about its developments, please like my Facebook page and subscribe to this blog. (And if you haven't yet bought your copy of Just Perfect... shame on you! You better put it on your resolutions to grab yourself a copy) :-)

Also... check out what I got myself for Christmas! (Image to the right... bought from Etsy, but similar fun outfits and accessories available in the Bookaholics catalogue which you can find by clicking here.)

Anyway, this post isn't going to be composed just of personal updates. This post is dedicated to the fact that we're about to start chapter 1 of 2016.



For this reason, I decided to share with you my New Year's resolutions. (If you have any of your own, do share them in the comment box below, or check out some serious writer's resolutions here and here.)

In 2016, I resolve to...

1. Write more
2. Write more 
3. Write more

Haha, but seriously though... I do resolve to spend more time on my writing. But I also hope to spend more time doing activities I love, experiencing new and interesting things with the frequency of breathing, and spending as much time with friends and family as I possibly can. I will be travelling to Africa, working on Just Perfect's sequel, and preparing for university life. And, hopefully, you will stick with me through this process, so that I can do everything that's in my power to inspire and continue to motivate all of you. In fact, I want to thank all of you a thousandfold for all of your support and kind comments and messages. I hope my words have helped you too.

So much has happened in one year, and I wish to continue my efforts in 2016. Your comments on my website as well as personal messages do mean a lot to me, and in the New Year I vow to continue lending others a listening ear

In the year to come, I also have some wishes for you. Firstly, I hope that you will make mistakes. (Something I, myself, am only just learning to do.) If you make mistakes, this means you are trying new things, that you are learning and living life to the fullest. It means you are pushing yourself, and being the best you you can be. Just be brave. Do it. Don't back down. I trust in you.

As Neil Gaiman said, 

Let us walk into the dark without fear, and step into the unknown with smiles on our faces, even if we're faking them. And whatever happens to us, whatever we make, whatever we learn, let us take joy in it. We can find joy in the world if it's joy we're looking for, we can take joy in the act of creation. Be kind to yourself in the year ahead. Remember to forgive yourself, and to forgive others. It's too easy to be outraged these days, so much harder to change things, to reach out, to understand. 

Try to make your time matter: minutes and hours and days and weeks can blow away like dead leaves, with nothing to show but time you spent not quite ever doing things, or time you spent waiting to begin. 

Meet new people and talk to them. Make new things and show them to people who might enjoy them. Hug too much. Smile too much. And, when you can, love.

Thank you for believing in me and supporting me as I pursue my dreams. Stick with me and I wish you the best New Year you've ever had!