Quarterly wrap: January – March 2023
Isn’t the year just racing by? My last three months have been pretty busy establishing some healthier habits, planning a holiday, working on my author newsletter, and turning all my writing attention to my epic fantasy series. Check out the details in my first quarterly wrap of 2023!! →
What’s new in my life
The year is racing by, and somehow it’s already time for my first quarterly update of 2023! My last three months have been pretty busy, but in a good way, and I’ve been making progress on my overarching goal of developing healthier habits and finding a better work-life balance. Here are some highlights of what I’ve been up to during January, February and March:
Having a lazy January. I eased into things this year by having quite the lazy start. I didn’t do much at all throughout January except watch TV and sleep—and go to work, of course. While I felt a bit guilty at first, I realised that I really needed that break. My mind needed to switch off and has been better for it!
Establishing an exercise routine. I’ve FINALLY been able to get myself into something of an exercise routine! I’ve wanted to do this for quite some time, but was struggling with motivation. Now I’m getting back into running again and have gone for a ~10km hike each month since the start of the year.
Finding fulfilment at work. While the dream would be to spend all my days writing, I’ve found my day job very fulfilling recently. I’ve been lucky enough to participate in a few exciting opportunities including a conference, some great fieldwork, and stepping into my manager’s shoes while he was on leave.
Planning an overseas trip. Guess what? For the first time since 2018, I’m planning an actual holiday for myself! I intend to go over to the UK and Europe for several weeks later in the year, so I’ve started researching for that. It’s great to have something like this to look forward to.
Platform updates
I only published 1x new blog post (plus this update) during this quarter, where I shared my goals for 2023. You can check this out by clicking on the tile below! Although I don’t have a specific blogging goal this year, I do plan to create some new content/resources about my indie author experience. This will be starting to roll out in April, so keep an eye out.
I’ve also made a few tweaks to my author newsletter based on feedback I requested from subscribers. I’m now sharing a new writing tip every month alongside exclusive insights into my WIPs, some exciting excerpts, and more! If you’d like to check this out, sign up to the newsletter here.
Writing progress
Now that my contemporary YA novel Holding Up the Sky is officially out in the world, I’m focusing my writing efforts on my epic fantasy series Graceborn. You can always go to my Books page for info on all my WIPs, but here’s a summary of where the main projects are at:
Blood of Old (Graceborn #1)
Status: Writing 3rd draft
Word count: 66,152 (33.1%)
What’s new:
After getting feedback from beta readers all the way back in 2020, I’ve finally started revising the manuscript of Blood of Old, the first book in the series. I’m pushing hard to get this done by the middle of the year and am very excited to have already finished Part One! Once the draft is complete, I’ll probably put it through another round of beta reading as I’m keen to get some feedback from people familiar with the epic fantasy genre.
First the Song (Graceborn #2)
Status: Beta reading complete
Word count: 232,079
What’s new:
My three beta readers finished reading book 2, First the Song, in this quarter and I’m so grateful for the feedback they’ve provided! While there are still things to work on, it’s looking unlikely I’ll need to make too many major changes. I worked on this book for quite some time and had so many doubts, but now I feel more confident it’s on the right track. Not sure yet when I’ll start the next draft of this one, so it can take a rest for now!
Books I’ve read
Because of some excessive TV bingeing, I didn’t have the greatest start to the year on the reading front. My Goodreads challenge goal for 2023 is to read 20 books, and so far I’ve finished reading 2 books (see below). But I did also help out with beta reading for book 2 in the Chronicles of Calmarra series by B.D. Connor—and beta reading is always a rewarding experience!
What have you been up to over the last three months? How would you say your start to 2023 has gone? 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!
7 Comments
alex
Hey, Rebecca! Glad you had a lazy January. I’m happy for you. We all need time to relax and take it easy :). Also happy that you have an exercise routine. Go Rebecca! You can do it.
Glad you’re finding fulfillment at work also – that is so important and I wish you the best. :).
Nice!! Excited for you. Have fun in Europe!
I love your blog. And, your newsletter is wonderful. You’re doing fantastic :).
Yay- I’m excited for you. I’m sure you’ll get great feedback and finish Graceborn 1!
Doubts are tough. But, I’m glad you feel confident and am happy to hear that it’s on a good path 🙂 Best wishes with First the Song 🙂
Life’s busy – and it’s cool that you read two books. In some years, I found it hard to get through one in a month with all of life’s busyness and all. You got this. I’m sure you’ll reach your goal.
My start to 2023 has been up and down. But, I feel hopeful. 🙂 Have a fun weekend!! 🙂 :).
Rebecca Alasdair
Thanks Alex! Ups and downs are a part of life, I suppose, but I’m glad you’re feeling hopeful. Take care! 😊
Andrew McDowell
I’ve been trying to find fulfillment at work myself and get involved in more things. Some of that has worked. Writing is slow, but at least it’s moving forward. I have read some good books (including yours!).
Rebecca Alasdair
Yay, thanks so much for giving my book a chance! Finding fulfillment at work is an important thing imo because work takes up so much of our life. I hope the writing keeps moving forwards for you! 😀
Andrew McDowell
You’re welcome, Rebecca, and thank you.
Tomas
Sometimes, things don’t go as easily. I had a lazy start of the year both with both reading and writing, and I am now picking up the pace with both.
Rebecca Alasdair
There’s nothing wrong with a lazy start to the year! We need to give ourselves some time to rest and rejuvenate for the year ahead 😁