Well, I can hardly believe that 2022 has come to an end. This time of year is always a time of reflection. I hope all my readers have had a good year. First, I would like to say a big heartfelt thankyou to all who read this blog. I thoroughly enjoy sharing my work with you, as well as sharing my book reviews and interviews with fellow authors throughout the year.
2022 has been an eventful year for me, both personally and professionally.
Personal Life
I am blessed and forever grateful to have my wonderful partner Chris in my life. He makes me smile every day. His two boys, Harrison and Xavier, keep me on my toes, and for anyone who has read my funny little novella titled ‘Crayons and Chaos’, you know what I am talking about lol. They are growing up fast. They are 15 and 11 now.
I am also grateful for my wonderful mum, who is my best friend. I would be lost without her. I suddenly lost my awesome dad 9 years ago and miss him every day.
Me with my beautiful mum at her 70th birthday in October
Happy highlights of the year have been our trips away. We all ventured up to Port Macquarie in northern New South Wales for a break in January and despite the constant drizzling rain, we made the most of our time away.
Chris and I also had a lovely break away in sunny Queensland in March, spending a week on the Sunshine Coast and a week on the Gold Coast. While on the Gold Coast, I got to meet one of writing besties, fellow author Tamara Watson, after nearly three years of friendship on social media.
Chris and I in sunny Queensland
Meeting my Twitter writing buddy, Tamara Watson, face to face for the first time on the Gold Coast
Nursing Career
I continue to be inspired by the stories I hear from my patients in my day job as an Aged Care Clinical Consultant. One being the inspiration behind my latest release tilted ‘Not Dead Yet’, but more on that in a moment. I have recently begun in a new role, which is a step up to a higher level. I have moved into a Level 3 position from a level 1 in a large teaching hospital in Sydney. Looking forward to performing a vital role in planning and implementing quality care for older patients. Such an amazing opportunity for me with my passion for aged care.
The Write Words Podcast
The podcast is growing all the time. Recently reaching 1000 downloads. I am having an absolute blast chatting with fellow writers from all over the world. Season 3 will air from Feb next year, so be sure to tune in and join in the fun. Sid and Honey (my cheeky little cavoodles) are the cute little mascots for the podcast.
My Writing
I released ‘Not Dead Yet’ in March. A story of love, loss, and moving on.
Recently widowed Mary feels something needs to change, but she is not sure what? She decides to sell her home in Sydney and move to a retirement village in sunny Queensland. Mary has always enjoyed her own company and struggles with the many personalities she encounters in the village. There are two things Mary won’t tolerate. Idiots and nasty women. Unfortunately for her, the village is full of them. Has Mary made a mistake, or will she find something wonderful?
I continue to work on both ‘Scattered Scones’ and ‘Tis Not the Season to Be Molly’. I hope to publish the latter in Nov 2023. Getting my books written is always a challenge with full-time work and life in general getting in the way. Here’s hoping I can meet the deadline I have set for myself.
‘Scattered Scones’ is a story close to my heart and will more than likely not be published until 2024. I may query it and intend on entering The Richell Prize with this book next year. This is a book that will require both beta readers and sensitivity readers in order to make it the best it can be. It deals with sensitive topics, and I want to get it right. Hopefully, my readers will agree it was worth the wait.
My Writing Goals For 2023
Enter 'Scattered Scones' into The Richell Prize
Publish ‘Tis Not the Season to Be Molly’
Finally, attend a writer’s festival
Sell my books at the markets
Future Goals
I intended commencing a 12-month online Proofreading and Editing course this year, but didn’t have the time. Realistically, I won’t have the time next year either. I will re-assess my priorities at the end of next year, and something may need to give (for example the podcast) for me to find time to study on top of my full-time nursing job. My long-term goal is to slowly move away from full-time nursing and bring in income proofreading and editing.
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. Cherish your loved ones and, most importantly, be kind to one another. See you all in 2023.
Hayley xxx
tly widowed. Idiots, and nasty women. Unfortunately for her, the village is full of them. Has Mary made a mistake, or will she find something wonderful?
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