The Year in Review #ThursdayThoughts

Published on by Joan Hall

Hey, everyone. Today is the last day of 2020. If you’re like most people there aren’t many words more welcomed than those. This has been a trying year in more ways than one.

It was what I expected to be a great year. 2020 had a nice ring to it. We were twenty years into the millennium. And I welcomed it on Instagram.

But the novelty soon faded. Naturally, there are a few words and phrases I wish I’d never heard.

  • Social distancing
  • COVID-19
  • Pandemic
  • Contactless delivery (or pickup)
  • Quarantine
  • Shelter in place
  • Wear a mask
  • Stay six feet apart

Sadly, these have become the norm, but I try to look for positives in everything. Here are a few:

  • More online meetings. I hope these stay around after the pandemic ends.
  • Having more quality time at home
  • Focusing on family and what’s really important
  • More home-cooked meals and less eating out
  • My husband and I played more games this year. Board games – not the online stuff
Trivial Pursuit is a long-time favorite game of ours.

I didn’t achieve my goal of publishing a short-story and novel this year. I’d like to blame it on COVID. That may not be far from the truth. In my day job (the one that pays the bills), I do a daily report for COVID stats. A few times this year I’ve had what I call COVID fatigue, but a few days of vacation work wonders. I can only imagine what the front-line healthcare workers feel.

Looking toward 2021, my short-story, House of Sorrow, needs a final read-through and edit, then it will be ready for publication. I’m looking at late February.

The novel, Cold Dark Night, is almost 90% completed. Because House of Sorrow is a prequel, I’d like to publish the two of them within two months. Fingers crossed for April. The covers are ready for both books, so I’ll be revealing them in the coming weeks.

I’m still toying with the idea of a book of short stories as well as planning the second book of the Legends of Madeira series, Blood Red Dawn.

Blogging wise, I hope to post twice a week. Mystery Mondays will continue on a monthly basis. I have an idea for a new monthly series as well. Otherwise, my posts will be random days. And as always, I love to have guests. So, if you have a new book release or if you’re promoting an older release and would like for me to host you, just use the contact form. My only stipulation is that I don’t post on weekends and prefer not to post on Fridays.

And now, as we approach 2021, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year. As for 2020, here’s today’s Instagram photo:

33 thoughts on “The Year in Review #ThursdayThoughts”

  2. It has been quite a year, Joan, that’s for sure! I look forward to your short story and novel! We can only hope 2021 will bring us some relief from the COVID fatigue you mentioned! I wish you the best!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. Thank you, Joan. I hear you, it can be so difficult, at times, to stay focused on the positive when it seems that everything is deteriorating. I guess a proper mindsight is just a daily habit we have to stick with. I wish all the best for you and yours in 2021. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

  12. So true, Joan, all of it. My husband and I even tackled a puzzle or two. May this coming year be one of many unexpected blessings. Happy New Year! 💗

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

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