2021 was, for me, a weird year. Personal losses, professional highlights, and a mix of mental and physical ailments marked 365 days that should have brought us out of the pandemic and back into normalcy.
Nope.
As I sit here in my office writing this, I think reflecting on the past year is one way to plan for the next, so here goes.
2021 in review.
Professional stuff:
wrote and published 4 full-length books and one prequel/novella
won 2 writing awards
got a new contract for 5 books with a new publisher
entered the Kindle Vella world and am kicking it!!
Attended my first writing conference/book signing since 2019, the Fall in Love New England conference
Had two book signings in my local Toadstool Bookshop for new releases.
Personal stuff:
lost 22 pounds ( of the 50 I need to lose)
welcomed my first grandson
saw my nephew married
kept my parents covid-free and healthy
had a negative mammogram but a positive melanoma biopsy that resulted in 1 Mohs surgery on my face and one excision on my shoulder. ( not fun!)
Lost my father-in-law to a myriad of medical issues.
For the first time since I started doing it, I was unable to complete the Goodreads reading challenge this year. Time, as they say, just flew.
I turned 61. Unbelievable.
Not bad. Not great, either, when you consider I could have written a lot more since I’m home for the pandemic and retirement.
So, looking toward 2022
First and foremost I have to lose the rest of the 50 pounds for my daughter’s big – 3 times delayed – super wedding reception in May.
I have 7 books on the docket to write for 2022 and am seriously hunkering down to start them in January
I have 3 conference/book signings booked for the year starting in July.
I am going on a family cruise (covid-permitting)
I want to be a better person in every way so I am going to start meditating daily
I want to be around for my grandson’s life so I am eating healthier.
I want to grow my book sales, online presence, and reader loyalty.
Some of these are lofty goals, some are not. Either way, I sincerely hope 2022 is better than 2019/2020/2021 has been. We need a break. I need a break.
Happy New Year, peeps.
~Peg
Peggy Jaeger, Author 
Happy New Year, Peg! I’ve had one hell of a year too, and I’m hoping 2022 is better for us all. One of my goals for the new year is to go indie with the new series I’m about to start. Since I’m technologically challenged, it’ll be interesting, to say the least. But I have to do it. You have some major goals too, but I hope you won’t push yourself too hard. Enjoy your many blessings, and have a wonderful year!
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JUdith – good for you!!!! i love being traditionally published, but with indie you get paid RIGHT AWAY and you are in control. So good luck. If I can help with any questions, feel free. Happy new year
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Congrats on all your successes! Good luck with all the writing you need to do this year! You’re going to be busy!
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Jana – thanks for the kind words and support!! Happy new Year!
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Happy New Year, Peggy! I think everyone had their major ups and downs this year. The best advice is, celebrate the good and manage the bad.
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Ilona – excellent advice. Happy new Year.
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Happy, Happy New Year to a much better 2022, Peg! My word at the beginning of 2021 was: possibilities. At the end: illumination. I lost 35 pounds, stepped away from the writing cave, survived family issues/problems, and found my inner joy and peace. And let me say, daily meditation has worked wonders for my stress and spirit. Now I’m eager to step back into the writing, minus all the pressure. I truly learned some valuable tools. Wishing you all the best! Hugs!
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Mary – you are an inspiration to me!!!! bless you and happy new year.
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My condolences on your losses. Congratulations on the good things. This has definitely been a difficult two years. I’m presuming we’re not done yet in 2022. Thank goodness for 📖 books. Stay safe. Happy and healthy New Year. JackieT
Sent from my iPad
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Jackie – bless you for your kind words and thoughts!!! You stay safe and health, too. Happy new year to you and yours.
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I haven’t had a bad year, although professionally, much of it has su….well, not been good. I’m looking forward to 2022, though. And you, my friend, will continue to kick it.
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As will you, Liz!! happy New Year!
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Peg, you are an inspiration and a delight. I have enjoyed all your posts. Thank you for sharing the good, the bad, the ugly, the failures, the successes of your life with us. Holly Schwartz AKA Susie Black
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Holly – it has been my pleasure to get to know you this past year and I hope 2022 continues to bring success, health, and happiness for both of us!
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