Mission Accomplished in 2023

I went 3 for 3 on meeting my writing goals.

If you’re like most people, you probably made a list of things you hoped to accomplish last year. Well, I hate to break it to you, but 2023 is over. Which begs the question: did you achieve your goals?

This post is going to look different.

Before I get back to posting my “regular” content next week, I’d like to shake things up. I want to make this post more personal, so you can get to know me better. And what better way to do that than by reflecting on my writing dreams from this last year?

At the beginning of 2023 (wow that feels like a long time ago) I made a list of things I hoped to achieve in my writing. This week I finally reopened that document to see how I did.

My 2023 Writing Goals

• Gain more experience as a writer

As I look back, I definitely feel like there was improvement in my writing (I guess you guys are the true judges of that). I also think I grew a lot in my writing knowledge.

For one, I listened to tons of lessons from the Young Writer’s Workshop content library and participated in almost all of their monthly challenges. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without that knowledge. It was one of the key resources that helped me create this blog.

I also started listening to Thomas Umstattd’s amazing Novel Marketing Podcast, which has helped me in so many ways.

From participating in a launch team to leading an Accountability Group on the Young Writer’s Workshop to joining an online Summit, I can safely say I learned more this year about writing than ever before.

• Get support / feedback from family and friends

This was something that, up until the beginning of last year, I’d never done. So when I shared a draft of my book with several students in my writing program, I was nervous. But it all went so well. They read through it and gave me vital feedback.

I also gave my story to family and friends to read – a big step for me. This was also a success in my mind, and I’m glad I could do it.

• Create a website

To be honest, this was my biggest writing goal these past 12 months. At the start of the year, I completed a few writing courses, and they all stressed the importance of having a blog.

Then in March, me and my dad officially created a WordPress account and began forming the site that would become Writing, Life, Faith. It wasn’t a quick process though. All in all, it was only after 6 months of sporadic work that I was ready to launch. Then September came, and I decided it was time. I made my site public.

I want to pause here to say a very special thank you to you, my dear reader. Without you, there would be no Writing, Life, Faith. Without you, there would be no point in me writing these weekly posts. So thank you so much for taking some of your time to read what I have to say. It truly means the world to me.

However, in my mind, samueljameswriting.wordpress.com didn’t have a very good ring to it. So at long last, just last week, I purchased a domain. You’ll now be able to find my site at WritingLifeFaith.com, which I’m very excited about. If you ever think of anyone whom you’d be willing to share the new link with, I’d be deeply honoured.

2024

As far as goals go, I’m going to keep things on the simpler side this year. Things seem to be getting busier and crazier the older I get.

That said, I will make this pledge to you:

I, Samuel James, will continue to create content for you guys for as long as I am able (assuming you want to read it). I will also remember to give all credit where it’s due: to God alone.

Thank you all so much for your support. I can’t wait to dive into this new year with you! I know God has a plan for this blog, and I’m excited to have you join me in this adventure.

God bless!