Hopes and plans for 2025

What I'm looking forward to in the new year, and some snowmen!

Jan 06, 2025

Snowy hills I drew for a Procreate class.

Hi friends,

Happy New Year! I know we are almost a week into 2025, but today feels like the first day of the year to me, with it being my first day back into a semi-normal routine.

For today’s newsletter I thought I’d do something totally original and share some of what I’m looking forward to in 2025. My word for the year is “productive.” And I mean productive in a literal sense, not in a busy-doing-all-the-things-but-not-getting-anything-done sense. Last year was more busy than productive. Yes, I launched a book, wrote many new poems, and made progress with my illustration portfolio. And I kept up with this newsletter. But when I look back I’m a little shocked at how much I didn’t get done. This year I’m determined to keep it together a little better. We’ll see how that goes.

So here’s a look ahead at some things I’m looking forward to this year, and a few things that I’m hoping to accomplish, both personally and professionally, Lord willing.

My writing and illustrating

I’m looking forward to the release of I’ve Got a Bad Case of Poetry, a children’s poetry anthology edited by Rachael S. Donahue and illustrated by Emily J. Person, being published by Bandersnatch Books later this year following a successful kickstarter campaign. This book will have five of my poems in it! And some poetry from some other great poets I happen to know. You can pre-save the kickstarter if you’re interested in supporting this project. It’s going to be great!
Submit the “chapbook” I put together for the 2024 Writer’s Digest PAD (poem a day) Chapbook Challenge. My daughter
Julia McMullen
was a finalist last year, and she has encouraged me to try it myself. So I am!
Get my latest verse novel manuscript into submission shape. I’ve shared it with my first readers, and they’ve given me some valuable feedback! This manuscript is historical fiction set during the “School Children’s Blizzard” of 1888.
Create a book dummy for at least one of my picture books. I spent a lot of time practicing and learning last year, so it’s time to just go for it and illustrate one of my own texts.
Write the poems for an idea I have for a collection of poems about snow (which I would also like to illustrate).
Keep building my portfolio. I’d like to have at least one new portfolio piece per month.
In general, keep up a regular art and writing practice even when I’m between projects. And just for fun!

This newsletter

I’ve been writing Snippets and Sketches for about a year and a half now, and the weekly newsletter will always be free. But this year I am planning to add a paid option for anyone who would like to get a deeper look at my writing and revising process. Paid subscriptions will include a monthly “Workshop Wednesday” post as well as occasional bonus goodies. The Wednesday posts will vary, and will include things like in-depth looks at polishing metered text, editing for word count, using imagery in poetry or prose, and more. The first “Workshop Wednesday” post will go out later this month and will be free for all subscribers so you can all get an idea of whether you’d like to see more!

Life in general

There are some things I’m looking forward to personally in 2025, not the least of which is the birth of my SIXTH grandchild in May. I don’t think anything can top that (except maybe a seventh grandchild, LOL). Other things I’m hoping for this year:

Getting into better physical shape. I’m already stronger and more fit than I was a few years ago thanks to my struggles with a herniated disc (how’s that for looking on the bright side?), but I really want to create and stick to a regular exercise routine beyond my regular morning walks and semi-regular strengthening exercises. Routines are hard for me, especially exercise routines. Any tips?
Do more Bible study. I’m about to finish my second read of the whole Bible in three years, but I’ve gotten away from doing very much in-depth study besides what we do in Sunday School once a week. Time to get back to it!
Organizing my house. One thing this past year has taught me is that some of the overwhelm I’ve experienced can be helped if I can set up simple, easily manageable systems of organization in my home and office. So this year I’m going to be intentional about organization, which I’m certain will help with my overall productivity. It’s hard to get anything done efficiently when I’m constantly searching through piles, doom boxes, and chaotic junk drawers.
Visit new places with my husband and son.
Finish the Christmas quilt I started two years ago! It will be done by Thanksgiving. I hope.

What about you? What are your plans and hopes for 2025?

Procreate sketch. I’ve been practicing snowman in preparation for my book dummy project.

Here’s a silly poem about a snowman for you:

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published

Snowman

I built a snowman
the other day,
tall and proud out in the snow.

Then the sun came out,
some rain came too,
and I wonder,
“Now, where did he go?”