If you're anything like me , you will have used the lockdown period as a time for reflection. I came to several realisations over the last few months, which have resulted in me making some changes. I feel all the better for it, I can tell you. Lockdown was a scary, uncertain time, but it was also cathartic; a time to do a bit of soul searching and find out what I really want to focus on, and that, my friends, is my writing.

I know you're probably not surprised there; an author wanting to focus on her writing? What kind of madness is this? But in my bid to help promote other authors and share my love of the written word with others, my writing started taking a backseat, and I became a ball of stress. This does not a happy author make.

So, I made some tough decisions. My side business, A Novel Idea NZ , needed to be scaled back. Instead of the book club subscription I envisioned turning into an indie bookstore, I've pulled it right back to only book box subscriptions. I still get to promote my fellow authors, but in a different way.
I've also decided that this will be my last year hosting Wham Bam Author Jam . This one was tough to settle on because I've had an absolute blast getting to know the authors and readers while organising it, but it is just not something I can continue and keep my sanity intact. 

Those two decisions alone lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, and over the last week or so, I've rediscovered my mojo. I'm working on a new romantic comedy that's a lot of fun to write, and I decided it was time for a revamp of my logo and tagline. My original tagline (bringing an end to boredom one book at a time) was far too long, and Escaping Reality seems a much better fit. Plus, I just love how the colours pop! 

So, 2020, you've certainly challenged me, but I'm not giving in. I'm taking life back and making things happen!