My 3 Words for 2016

It is another new year. It is also that time to start collecting paperwork for tax season, take down the Christmas tree, and contemplate how I can make money off my own adipose. Before I start on that humdrum, I need to find “My 3 Words” for the New Year.

For those of you not familiar with “My 3 Words,” you can check out my post from last January. Simply put, “My 3 Words” replaces those pesky New Year’s resolutions that everyone breaks. I tried the process last year and it worked well for me; so, here I am with three more words.

2016 – Products, Revision, Staycation

The Words

Products, Revision, Staycation. It did not take me long to determine my words this year. I was very busy last year and all of the work and changes gave me a lot of options. I narrowed my words down to three areas of my work: illustrating, writing, and recovery.

Products

With Otter Things up and running, I am constantly adding my older designs for products. I need to continue with that task, even though it is a slow process. I also need to develop more designs that are otter-themed, but with a different look than my I Otter Be® line.

I have been considering more realistic otter illustrations and maybe even including posters in my product line. Right now, I have a selection of t-shirts, hoodies, mugs and bags offered through Printful. I will have to research more of the products to find the right fit.

My end goal for my store is to have it completely replace my other apparel outlets for my otter designs, like Cafe Press and Zazzle. I would love to be the go-to store for everything otters, but that road is long and uphill. For now, I will keep improving Otter Things one product at a time.

Revision

After having an editor look at The Ruby’s Cell, it is time to sit down and revise. In just a short time, I have taken pages upon pages of notes for new scenes. I find myself writing down ideas on notebook paper, post-it notes and recording memos on my phone.

Revision is not an easy process. I will need to weed out what doesn’t work and plant new parts in place. Some of those plants might not grow, but it is a necessary process towards the completion of a good book. Of course, I will need to have my editor look over the “final” draft, and see if I made it worthy of an agent’s viewing.

Staycation

All work and no play can make a writer go a little more insane. Writers spend countless hours building worlds and people in their heads. It is easy for me to become so close to my characters, that I forget that they are not real. That is when I need to step back and take a break, but I don’t have the time or money to fly off to some exotic destination.

Home is where the heart is and it’s my favorite place to relax. I don’t have to pack a suitcase, I have my own pillow, and there is no chance of jet lag. I enjoy laying on my hammock, in my back yard. I can watch the clouds go by and just be. I can sit on the patio and chat for hours with family and friends. I just need time to decompress.

Unfortunately, I need to replace my hammock. My squirrel minions and Mother Nature have taken their toll on my recumbent resort. There is also the need to edge the flower beds, paint the bathroom, and repair the ceiling from past leaks. If I don’t complete some household fix-ups, I will never be able to relax.

This year holds much promise, but only with hard work. If I can manage my time wisely, I should be able to accomplish “My 3 Words.” If not, I will definitely consider adding Management to my list for next year.