Reflecting on my creative goals for 2023

I wrote a book and fixed my emails

As the year draws to a close, I’ve taken some time to reflect on my creative goals while I wrap presents and eat mince pies. 

At the beginning of 2023, I wrote a list of creative goals. I thought about what I wanted to achieve for the year and aimed to set myself a healthy mix of creative goals that would help my creative life in both a professional and personal sense.

It’s been a big year! I’ve achieved a lot. But it’s always nice to take some time to think over what my priorities are and what matters to me. Or in this case, what mattered to me a year ago, whether it’s stuck and if I want to carry it forward.

Photo: Acacia and Grace Photography.

Finish writing Song of the Summer

I did this! I finished writing Song of the Summer on February 20. 

February was so long ago that it almost doesn’t feel like an achievement anymore. But I worked on this book for over seven years so it was a massive achievement! If I’m proud of anything in 2023, it’s that I finished writing this book and sent it out into the world.

Submit Song of the Summer to at least 10 opportunities

I technically failed this. I only submitted Song of the Summer to 7 opportunities.

But I feel like I did it in spirit. I finally sent Song of the Summer back to the Text Prize after previously putting it off. It’s been in an editor’s inbox since July.

I’ll be doing my first round of UK/US submissions in the new year.