2022 Goals

Goal #1: Read 100 Books

Ha, yeah, this is my usual goal. It's a good number, I think. Attainable, but I do have to work a bit for it. This year, I do have a few other goals, which will help this one get completed.

Goal #2: Knock A LOT of Books Off the Dreaded TBR

Apparently I'm a lot better at buying books than reading them. I keep a list of all the books I've bought in the past few years and cross them off once they get read. And...well...there are still a lot not crossed off.

We'll see how it goes, but I plan to read a bunch of these throughout the year.

 

Goal #3: Complete the Christian Reading Challenge

A friend invited me to a FB group for this, and at first I thought I would just focus on the first level. After all, I have my above goal of reading those TBR books.

Then I thought "eh, maybe do the second level, there's enough on the TBR to cover that."

Then I figured the third level would be fairly doable. That's about half of my 100 books goal, and leaves plenty of room for books that don't fit the prompts.

Then as I wrote all the prompts down in my journal, I said "hang that, let's just do the whole thing." I don't have high hopes for this, but we will see.

You can find out more information about the challenge HERE.

Goal #4: Drive Pepper 4 Times

Self-explanatory. I started this goal a couple years ago, when I noticed I'd gone a whole year without hitching up the cart. Since then, I made a "hitch up once" yearly goal, followed by a "hitch up twice" goal...every year I change it to where I have to hitch up another time.

Goal #5: Complete an Endurance Race on Pepper

He's not really cut out to be fast, and uphills really slow him down. But he is a good trail horse and has a nice ground-covering trot. I hope to do a race with him in late winter/early spring, while the temps are still cool. And also do one of the races not in the mtns, so it's flat and easy for him. <3 We don't have to finish in the time limit, just need to do the distance and pass vet checks.

Goal #6: Complete an Endurance Race on Shadow

Probably will just do the same one I did last year. He did a really good job, and I'm very proud of him. I'd like to have a better, faster time, so that will be my goal.

Goal #7: Complete a Ride and Tie Race

So last year I did 2 endurance rides (both on Shadow), and organized a R&T, but didn't actually race in one. (Pepper actually raced two days in a row, with two separate teams, but I personally didn't compete, lol.) So this year, I hope to change that.

Goal #8: Publish the First Two Red War Annals Books

We already have the covers and release dates. I just...need to finish writing and editing. These are huge books, so it's taking me a while, but with Sarah at my back, I think we will be able to reach the publishing goals we set for The Order of the Pen Press.

I do look forward to sharing these books with the world, and will be posting updates and such on the blog as we near release dates. :)

Goal #9: Compete in a Bluegrass Competition

It's been a few years since I've been to a fiddler's convention, and even longer since I've actually competed. I still play my instruments, and go to local jams and everything. But I'd love to go to one of the local conventions, get up on stage, play a song, dab once, and then leave.

Goal #10: Attend Realm Makers

I don't know if this really needs to be a goal, but I'm putting it on here (if only to bring my goals to a nice even number, haha). I love going to Realm Makers. The classes are always helpful and encouraging. Getting to meet other authors and writers is just THE BEST. And don't forget buying books, selling books, and book signings. Not to mention Sarah and I always drive together, and that in itself makes for a fun trip.

What are your goals for this year? Please share in the comments!! <3

2021 Recap (Goals)

2021 has been quite a year, and I can't believe it's over. All things considered, it was a pretty nice year. Good and bad, like usual. That's part of life, I guess.

But did I reach my goals?? Hmmm..

Read 100 Books

So this is my goal every year, and at first I was worried I wouldn't reach it. Normally my family takes a long trip or two (basically to Presbytery, and then another church conference), but Presbytery was hosted by our congregation this year and we didn't go to the conference. Usually I get a bunch of reading done on those trips.

Not sure if it's "cheating" or not, but I also added up the full-read-through edits and the proof copy read-throughs for the three books we released. That boosted my book count a bit.

And I still had to sit down and do some speed-reads at the end of December. But I made the goal, if barely.

I do have a wrap-up post coming with my favorite reads of the year. :)

Compete in an Endurance Race

I've been wanting to do an endurance race for years, but a few things always stopped me, namely the time limits and the fact that my main horse is a chunky Friesian. But after getting Shadow the Paso last year, I figured the time had come.

And yes, Shadow and I completed two races this year. We did a 10 mile "Introductory Ride" in April, and then completed an actual 25 mile race in August. Shadow did great, and I also have a blog post about that. 

Drive Pepper 3 Times

I ground drive a lot, especially when I don't feel like riding or want to change things up for the boys. But actually hitching up the cart? Much harder. The cart is heavy and awkward, and getting the shafts in place by myself is a PAIN. But I did manage to hitch up 3 times and drive around for a bit. Pepper is always such a sweetie, and every time I drive I think "boy, I should do this more often" lol.

Quit My Job

Sad that I had to make this part of my "yearly goals" but I had to. I loved the job, and appreciated my bosses, and met some really great people (coworkers and customers), but it was stressing me out and also taking way too much of my time. People would call me when I was at home, and even on Sundays, and I even spent a good hour or two at Realm Makers making phone calls. And none of that was paid for, since I'm not salary, nor was I able to clock in for those times.

I put in my notice in September, and have since begun working part-time at a friend's bookstore, and part-time with my dad's repair shop (again).

Publish Sins, Sons, and Siren Songs

Publish Rumors, Reunions, and Revenge

Publish Rogues, Royals, and Raiding Roc

As you might know, all three books have been published, and are available on our website and Amazon!

I'll be back next week with my 2022 goals!

Journey Before Destination

I did my first endurance race this year. And while it was really fun and I have TONS of great memories and stories from that day, do you know what I also have?

Even more great memories and stories from all the training rides I had to do to achieve that goal of finishing the actual race.

Like the day I was supposed to do an out-and-back on the trail, and got bored and just rode home instead of back to the parking lot. We rode through the "downtown" area (just a post office and hardware store, really), passed by the local winery, and along the train tracks. Lots of fun!

And then the day I went into the nearby "big city" and did the 7 mile loop around the lake. I hadn't been there in years and it was so fun to do it again.

Or the day I did the most popular trail section and trotted the whole trail, breezing past big groups of trail riders while playing dramatic soundtrack music on my phone.

Or getting together with friends and just racing along for a few miles, laughing and enjoying the horses.

The race comes for a weekend and is over, but the conditioning rides will continue.

We published more books this year. I can't believe Sarah and I wrote and published an entire series. How cool is that?? Even better than release day, though, are the memories made during the journey.

Getting our "dis"sertations from Mars Evan, and the laughter and merriment that ensues.

Talking with Sarah over the phone and getting way too excited about a character or plot thread we just came up with or figured out.

Writing or editing a scene and just...GRINNING SO HARD BECAUSE IT'S PERFECT.

"Journey before destination" is one of the core statements of the Knights Radiant order in the Stormlight Archives. SA is a series I read this year, and really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

But journey before destination really hit me, because I feel it. I have done a lot of journeying this year. A lot of my goals have been made, but in other ways, I'm still travelling. I'm still journeying, and haven't quite reached my destination yet.

If the journey lasts longer than you expected, don't give up. After all, it's not the destination that changes you, it's the journey you take along the way.

It's nearing the end of 2021. A lot of us are looking at the goals we had, and some of those goals...they haven't been reached yet. Some might have been tossed out the window completely. We're not where we expected ourselves to be a year ago, for good or for bad.

I'm here to tell you: embrace the journey, no matter how long or hard it is. Look back and see how you've grown. See what has changed. See what progress, however big or small, you've made, and be proud.

Dare to dream big for next year. Dare to try something new. Dare to challenge yourself, push yourself. And accept the journey laid before you.

Journey before destination, y'all.

NEW RELEASE: Rogues, Royals, and Raiding Roc

 Today is the day...the final Pirate Hunter book is out in the wild. You can grab your copy off our website HERE or order from Amazon HERE.

I want to take this opportunity to thank our amazing team of beta readers, Chloe and Samantha especially. Thanks to your help, your encouragement, your advice...these books are complete and published. To everyone who read these books, who left reviews, who cheered us on...thanks, from the bottom of my heart.

What is the book about?

Two queens fighting for a throne.

A king returns to his home.

And the master of the seas.

Three years, and Pirate Queen Bonnie Clearwater still sails the seas. She continues to evade the pirate hunters, and her army only grows stronger until it threatens the whole Alliance of Kingdoms. In a desperate move, Captain Adi sails to the east to look for allies before her cousin begins to march across the kingdoms, one by one.

Meanwhile, Ravin must do the impossible—return to his home country of Arrothray and gain the leadership of the del Mankayl assassin clan. After running from his past for years, the time has come to confront the truth behind his family name.

The Red Wind Legends were once fire-side stories, told by sailors, parents, and travelers. But they continue to grow, wild and free, like the seas themselves. As the Alliance makes a final desperate stand against the Pirate Nation, the legacy of the Master of the Seas holds the key to victory.

Tabor Cover Reveal!

 I first read Golgotha earlier this year (and fell in love with the cover much, much earlier, lol). And then I beta-read the sequel, Tabor (also earlier this year).

AND HERE I AM WITH A LONG-AWAITED COVERRRR

Tabor is the second book in the Remnant Trilogy, and it was really fun to read! A diverse cast of characters (from noble Finn to roguish Gunnar to sweet Ama)(and EPIC MORAY) and some exciting plot twists!

(Maybe I should do mini reviews more often...that totally sold y'all, right??)

Anyways, here's the official blurb:

Five ragtag friends must close the Rifts between the Realms before an ancient war snuffs out all innocent life for good.

King Finnigan’s kingdom is crumbling—traitors plot in his midst, a witch has fled execution, and enemies attack allied lands. When Rifts form between Golgotha and Mazzabah, the ragtag remnants must close them before the ancient warlock, Shafiq, takes control of the realms.

With darkness engulfing both realms, the group parts ways to seek answers about the histories and what can be done against Shafiq. But what they find changes everything. If they can’t fight the darkness, Mazzabah will be lost, and so will every innocent life left behind. But to survive the ancient war, they need help. And with more help comes more traitors.

Preorders open today and all receipts can be sent HERE. Just be sure to do it before 11/15!! The first thirty pre-orders will get: a map, character cards, a bookmark, a customized note, and an exclusive monster art print!

Also, TWO readers who preorder and submit their receipts will be entered to win signed paperbacks of Golgotha and Tabor AND a scented candle inspired by one of the characters (as well as the swag previously mentioned).

For the record, these two books look absolutely beautiful together. I have both covers below as proof. :)

Rumors, Reunions, and Revenge - OUT IN THE WILD

 Beware everyone - krakens have been released!!

Rumors, Reunions, and Revenge is now out and available to purchase off the Order of the Pen Press website, as well as on Amazon (ebooks and paperbacks).

If you like adventure on the high seas, dangerous sea creatures, a touch of ocean magic, and found family...you will love the Pirate Hunter Chronicles!

The amazing Mars Evan did the chapter headings for Rumors, and I could not be more excited about them!!!

I mean...LOOK AT THIS!!! <3

A wealthy duke from a mysterious island.

Rumors of the dead walking.

And siren songs of immortality.

A year has passed, and another Scaera Dumeda is about to begin. Captain Adi and the rest of the pirate hunter crew are escorting the Belfarren nobles when they come across a fleet claiming to belong to the Pirate Nation, led by the last person she ever expected to see again. Perhaps it’s not as easy to leave her past behind as she thought.

As Ravin settles into his new life he begins to consider the del Mankayl clan and others in his family who might want to run away as he did. But when an opportunity comes to rescue a relative, is he truly making a difference or is he only putting his loved ones in danger by bringing a violent assassin on board?

SIGNED PAPERBACKS - HERE

AMAZON PAPERBACKS - HERE

AMAZON EBOOKS - HERE

United We Fall Cover Reveal

 It's a busy week over here at Saver of Memories, and it's not done yet! I'm popping in again to share the new cover for Brooke's second book in the How We Rise Trilogy - the AMAZING BEAUTIFUL COVER for United We Fall!

I recently read How We Rise for the first time, and you can read my review HERE on Goodreads. I really enjoyed Brooke's writing voice, and while it's not a genre I read a lot, I did enjoy the plot. I will defintely be getting this book once it's out (if only to stare at the COVER).

Oh. Right. I should probably share the cover. :)

Here's the blurb:

What is Truth? What Are Lies?

It's been two weeks since Raegan's death. Two weeks since a big blow was dealt to the resistance. Two weeks since Peter lost his best friend and perhaps his soul mate. Now, he's out for revenge on everyone responsible, starting with the biggest coward: Agent Specter.

Peter doesn't care what rules he has to break to bring down those who took away the one he loved the most. When someone he never expected comes forward with information that seems too good to be true, he has to make a decision on what to do before it's too late.

Hmmmm. Sounds exciting!! I except an Inigo Montoya-style showdown once Peter finally faces Agent Specter.