Quarterly wrap: January – March 2022
Did you know we’re already 3 months into the year? A lot has been happening in my world, between juggling my writing projects, reading several great books, and navigating some fairly significant life events. Check out all the details in this my first quarterly wrap of 2022!! →
What’s new in my life
Did you know we’re already three months into 2022? Crazy, right! So much has being going on in this world of ours, but in today’s post—my first quarterly update of the year—I’m taking the time to look back on what’s been happening in MY world. It sure has been eventful, but here are the highlights of what January, February and March brought my way:
Starting a new role at work. Two years ago, I started my first Real Job in a Grad program that wrapped up in late January. This meant that I got to progress into a brand new non-Grad role, and while the learning curve has been steep, I’m loving it so far! I have been THAT much more tired in the evenings though…
Going away with some friends. In early February, I went away for a weekend in what was my first proper holiday since 2018. Some friends and I took a short trip to rural Victoria, where we spent quality time together eating, shopping, exploring, and watching Netflix on the couch. It was absolutely brilliant!!
Saying farewell to my Nanna. On a more solemn note, I said farewell to my beloved Nanna last week, but boy did we celebrate her life in a way I know she would have appreciated. My Nanna has always been my number 1 supporter, and though I’ll miss her, I cherish all the memories we’ve made.
Platform updates
Although I don’t have a blogging goal this year, I have published 2x new posts (plus this update) in this quarter, which you can access by clicking on the tiles below. In the first, I share my expectations and goals for 2022, and in the second is an incredible list of upcoming indie books—check it out!!
Also on the platform front, I have been getting my ducks in a row to launch my very own newsletter. My newsletter experience from my day job sure has come in handy, but there’s still so much to think about, not to mention set up! The plan is to commence the newsletter in Q2, probably in early May, so keep your eyes peeled for an official announcement on that!!
Writing progress
There have certainly been ups and downs with my writing progress over the last three months. It’s hard to juggle multiple projects—one of which I’m preparing to publish—while being low on energy on account of a new day job!! Here’s a summary of where my key projects are at, and you can always check out my Books page for the most up-to-date information:
Holding Up the Sky
Status: Coming in late 2022
Word count: 85,000 (approx.)
What’s new:
It’s been a big few months for my contemporary YA novel Holding Up the Sky. I’ve received the first round of edits from my editor, made some changes, and sent them back for round 2. I’ve reached out to a cover artist and drafted my brief for the design process. I’m close to completing the official description / blurb, have progressed the interior design for the paperback, and started thinking about my marketing and launch strategy.I’m pooped!!
First the Song (Graceborn #2)
Status: Writing 2nd draft
Word count: 143,472 (62.4%)
What’s new:
Work on the second draft of First the Song (Graceborn #2) started out with a bang during January, then petered out to nothing in February and March. So I’m a bit behind where I wanted to be, but you know what? It’s fine. Though I wrote less than 20k words towards this project in this quarter, I’ve finished all the POV scenes for my two MCs’ arcs, and can return to the secondary arcs with a fresh mind in April. I’m looking forward to it!
Books I’ve read
For 2022, I’ve set myself the Goodreads challenge goal of reading 25 books, and I think it’s safe to say I’m off to a strong start. After reading quite a bit in January, I barely touched a book in February, before easing back into things in March. In total, I read 8 novels this quarter as shown below…
What have you been up to over the last three months? How is life treating you in this crazy world? Did you progress your writing projects or read any good books?
Rebecca Alasdair
I'm an Australian indie author who hoards books, loves dogs and coffee, and has a tendency of staying up all night!
11 Comments
K.M. Allan
Condolences for your Nanna, Rebecca, and best of luck wishes for your progress over the next quarter.
Rebecca Alasdair
Thank you for your kind words. All the best to you too!! 😊
Ari
I am so sorry for your loss, I am glad you were able to celebrate her life.
Rebecca Alasdair
Thanks Ari. I know she would have been pleased with how the “celebration” went down!! 😁
Ari
🙂
Andrew McDowell
I’m sorry, Rebecca. I lost my uncle this month.
Rebecca Alasdair
Than you Andrew, and so sorry to hear about your uncle. Losing loved ones really sucks. Take care ❤
Andrew McDowell
You’re welcome, Rebecca, and thank you.
Alex
Hi Rebecca!
I’m glad you’re loving your new job! But yeah, I can understand feeling tired in the evenings too. Hope you’ve been able to get a good amount of rest each night though.
So awesome that you got to go away with some friends 🙂
I’m so sorry for your loss. You have my support, my friend. Much love and support always.
Kudos on having two posts published this quarter. I am very excited for your newsletter! Go Rebecca!!
Exciting progress on Holding Up The Sky! I’m stoked! But I can see how all the work that you’re doing is tiring. You have my support. Hope you can get some rest/a break. Go Rebecca!
Glad you’re giving some grace to yourself with First the Song. 🙂 Kudos on the work that you did. 🙂 All progress counts. :).
You absolutely are off to a strong start! Nice job on reading 8 novels 🙂 I need to read more.
The last three months have been very busy. Work has been very busy. I also drew a lot and I had to cut back. I was getting burnt out. Also getting burnt out from reading the news and activism too. I have been reading a lot though. Most of what I read are graphic novels. Off and on writing for me- I haven’t developed a consistent habit yet. And struggling with a lot of doubts. But, I’m trying my best to get through them.
I believe in you, my friend! 🙂 :). Take care!!
Rebecca Alasdair
As always, thank you for your thoughtful comments Alex. It’s certainly been a big few months; trying to get myself into a sustainable routine is definitely at the top of the list!!
Burnout is real and can be frustrating to deal with. I’m glad to hear you’ve found some enjoyment and relaxation in reading!! All the best with the second quarter 😊
Alex
You’re welcome, Rebecca! Hard to get into a sustainable routine. I know you can do it, however.
I believe in you 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂 Best wishes, my friend! 🙂 🙂