My year in review for 2020 is not what I envisioned. We all set a goal post as a guide to navigating through a year. It is how we measure year over year improvement. Usually, distractions throw a stumbling block in your path, but we re-access and course correct to stay on track. Well, 2020 was a year unlike any other, while some did extremely well, many took hits that were beyond normal challenges. There is no shame in having a bad year. It happens from time to time to everyone personally and professionally. Here is my year in review for 2020:
Writing Goals
Originally, I set out to write four new books:
- Literary Fiction
- Murder Mystery
- Thriller
- Guide
As of this communication, I have the mind-maps for all four books sitting on my computer without so much as an opening line is written. The writing was less of my concerns throughout the year.
Book Publishing Goals
Originally, I set out to publish five books all they require is editing:
- Child Author’s Book 2
- Book 2 and prequel in a crime series
- Book 3 in a coming-of-age series
- Inspirational/Motivation
I did manage to edit and release From the Mind of a Five-Year-Old Book 2 and The Prequel of Charlie the Hood Houdini – Development of a Criminal Mind. I’ve changed the ending on two of them twice. Editing the others are still a work in progress. The book publishing goals fell short.
Product Promotion Goals
- Increase the budget for paid advertising
- Increase engagement for social media
- Increase live event appearances
Needless to say, monitoring my expenses with the uncertainty relating to revenue hampered my willingness to increase my advertising budget. Therefore, my exposure shrank outside of my normal fan base. With all the negative effects of the Coronavirus, the motivation to engage didn’t seem important, and obviously, being in public with others was appropriately discouraged. The product promotion goals fell short of expectation.
My year in review for 2020 is not the outcome I wanted. However, under the extreme circumstances and challenges of the past year, I accept the results. Instead of beating myself up about what I should have done or could have done, I look forward to completing new work and expanding my fan base throughout the new year. #NewYear