Hi:)
Here are the 97 books read in 2023. I might have missed a couple I couldn’t find on Goodreads and there is a repeat for some strange reason. I figure it all balances out to the same number given. Yes, I count my books because I do read them once again when published. A couple are from NetGallery too.
My writing plans for 2024?
I am currently working on a dual timeline set in 1924 and 1965 set in the same house. It’s a paranormal mystery with two loving couples. This was one of my NaNoWri stories that I’ve been wanting to get back to. A lot of research has gone into this story.
My other project is a Christmas novelette and a short story collection. This I will push to get out in time for the holidays.
I still plan to read 75 plus indie stories and review them. When I will read outside indie, I take a break from reviewing. I’ll keep posting here at least once a week but will set aside my planned changes or additions that I’m not ready to start. There is still my once a month post over on Story Empire too. I may or may not continue Books That Changed Me seasonal posts of my top books read and will be taking some Do-Nothing days here and there for self care.
I will be watching to make sure I don’t burn myself out like I did at the end of last year.
I was quiet for a while last week as my internet was down. With no cell signal either at our house it require I drive down the mountain and try to catch up on my cell phone for as long as I can. Fingers crossed they fixed it and it won’t repeat another outage. It felt like old times getting my information from TV and phone calls…lol
What’s your writing plans for the year?
Embrace that sweet inner child by reading a good book. D. L. Finn
You amaze me, Denise. Between the storms of life and weather, and through family celebrations and health challenges, you’ve kept pace with your reading and writing goals. You inspire me. BRAVO! ❤️
Thank you, Gwen 🙂 I’ve made it a habit to read before sleeping. Although sometimes it cuts into.that sleep its well worth it.
I’ve had the same reading habit since I learned how to read. You’ve done so well with your reading and writing goals! Brava!!
Thanks, Liz. One of my better habits 🙂
You’re welcome, Denise.
You read a lot of books last year! And you’re ambitious with your writing goals and having a few projects in the pipeline. Best wishes on your writing!
Thank you, Dave 🙂 It was a good reading year. Yes, lots to look forward to this year writing-wise for sure and reading!
Wow! You have read so many books, blogged, and always writing. I am impressed. I have had to slow down the past 2 years due to my eyesight and age. Denise, you inspire me.
Thanks, Karen 🙂 I have so many books still to read I hope I can continue at this pace for a while. Xo
That graphic is so impressive. I could never read that many. Hope your technological issues are all behind you now.
Thanks, Craig 🙂 It has become a good habit for me now, although cuts into sleep. Right now the internet is back… fingers crossed. I can’t wait for the promised optic fiber in future.
I love your plan, Denise. Taking time for self-care made my list, too. For most, doing the things we love without burning out remains more art than science. For me, trying to avoid burnout with a rigid schedule dampens my passion and creativity. Thus, as if a child again, I’ll treat life like play, taking time to rest and nap when needed.
Thanks, Grant. I love your plan to approach life and writing as a child playing. I can’t think of a better way to do it!
I hope you get your internet back. Good luck with your 2024 goals, Denise! My big 2024 writing goal is to draft a literary Christian novel.
Thanks, Priscilla:) We did get back the internet. Its amazing how often I would look at me phone and hope… lol. I look forward to your new project.
Awesome year of reading, Denise! I’m excited about your paranormal mystery – I’m also a fan of dual timelines. Once I get my WIP turned in, I’m having a reading marathon for two months to try and catch up!
Thanks, Teri 🙂 It’s been a fun challenging writing a dual timeline and I love reading them. A two month reading marathon? That sounds perfect, enjoy!
I see a lot of books on your list I also loved. If i read your post right–you review Indies and take a break with trad books–I kind of do that, too. Reading to review is a different animal than getting lost in a story. But, I get a lot of books from NetGalley that require a review so can’t quite skip those!
A lot of people seem to be pulling back on blogging schedules. I’m thinking of doing that, too–to 2 a week instead of three. Sounds nice.
I have gotten books to read from your reviews to read, Jacqui 🙂 Yes, I like that reviewing break reading traditional books. Just reading is like a wonderful vacation. No, can’t skip NetGallery for sure. Only did once when I couldn’t get through story.
I was thinking of doing a challenge but decided against it for now. I leave it open for hosting authors and doing other challenges. Nice to adjust as we need to.
You are amazing, Denise. I was privileged to have The Last Drive on your list and enjoyed your review. Best wishes for 2024 as it looks like a busy year for you.
Thanks, John 🙂 I was privileged to read it, too. Yes, it should be another busy year. I’m grateful I can keep busy.
😁
You’ve got a lot going on, Denise. I can appreciate that because I also like to be busy. I perused your list and noticed that I’ve read 15 of them.
Yes, I always like to have something to do. I can’t imagine not being busy. It’s fun when our reading lists overlap, Pete:)
Denise, that’s an amazing group of books! WOW! I’m glad you’re safe. There have been so many storms this January. Stay safe.
It was another great year of reading. It really has been crazy weather wise. Hope you are staying warm and safe, Colleen. Xo
Wow, congratulations on all those books read, Denise! I managed 89 this year, but most of them were in the first 3 quarters of 2023.
Lots of good ones in those you showcased. I skimmed through, and it looks like I read 33 from your selections, with a few others on my reading radar.
Wishing you all the best on your dual timeline story. You know how I love those! 🙂
Thank you, Mae 🙂 Congrats on your 89 read. There are so many good ones last year. Thanks to you, I jumped into the dual timeline. What an adventure! Xo
I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
Your accomplishments are amazing, Denise! To have such a talented author as you read one of my books and give it such a nice review makes my day. Thanks! ❤
Thank you, Timothy 🙂 Yours was a great read, and I’m happy to have had the pleasure of reading it!
❤😎
You do a lot of reading, Denise, and thank you so much for including my books in the list! I recognize a lot of the books in there. I may take a cue from you and only post reviews of indie books. 🙂 I also like your determination to have some Do Nothing Days (I recommend a Do Nothing Week every quarter too!). Happy Writing, my friend. If I finish one book this year, I’ll be very happy!
Thanks, Diana 🙂 I know I pick up many new reads from your reviews. It is nice to just read like we used to do as kids with no review to follow. I like the little break but will always do a review for indies. I like the once a quarter Do Nothing Day! I am going back to one a year after this year.
Xo
🙂
That is so impressive and so well organized with Goodreads. I love that read book collage and it is a privilege to see my Leonberger book about Bronco included. Thank you Denise.
I love how Goodreads keeps track of our reading, Thomas. It is nice to see Bronco there!
That’s a lot of wonderful reading, Denise! I think lots of are rethinking our blogging routines. Like you, by the end of last year, I was pretty burnt out and wondering if it was all worth the efforts. But I’m refreshed by the break and approaching it a little differently. Congratulations on the new project! Can’t wait to read this one!
Thanks, Jan 🙂 It is hard to find that balance so we don’t burn out. I am eager to get through my editing!
I see a lot of great books on that list, Denise! Some of them are on my TBR for this year. I’ve already read three books in January, and I’m excited about reading more. As for blogging, I’ll post my poetry challenge posts and my end of the month book reviews. It’s all I have time for, especially if I want to make space for writing and reading and the rest of my life. Lol!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
You have some good reading ahead, Yvette! We just have to balance it all and know what we can do over what we want to. I’m always trying to find that do I can read, write, and blog. Yay, for doing the challenge, too. I have to get back to that. Xo
Good grief, Denise, you are a reading wonder! I haven’t toted up what I read last year but I’m sure the number of books would be paltry compared to your pile! Send me some of your energy! I am in awe, especially with everything else you do!
Thank you, Noelle 🙂 I enjoy it, but it does cut into my beauty rest… lol. I don’t do all that much but thanks! Xo
I recognize a lot of great reads, Denise! Many of which are already on my Kindle or TBR list. My plans for 2024 are simple. To just write as much as I can.
You have some great readings ahead, Mar 🙂 Good plan for the year! Xo
I love seeing all the pretty covers like that 🙂 Do you have seventy-five indie books already picked out, or are you planning a monthly search? It’s a commendable goal to chase.
Do you have a landline for these storms? I’ve had strictly cell phones since we made our move eleven years ago, but am thinking I should look into changing that with the crazy weather we’ve been getting lately.
I like seeing all the pretty covers, too, Jacquie 🙂 I usually read new releases and then go back on my list and either continue a series or find a new one to read. Can be completely random, or I get reminded from a review. We do have a landline and DSL on it. Although our carrier is trying to remove all landlines, even to those who have no other way to communicate, including us. I find old landlines still the most reliable form of communication, especially with all our crazy weather. Xo
Woot. Woot. On the reads and good on you for taking some Denise time. How are you feeling? xo
Thanks, Sandra 🙂 Doing well, thanks xo
That’s wonderful Denise! Happy reading.
Thank you, Balroop 🙂 Happy reading xo
Ugh! That’s awful about the lack of internet and things, Denise. Unfortunately, I can relate. Recently I’ve also seen the importance of having some “do nothing days” — and trying not to feel guilty about them.
My writing plans? I surrender. LOL. Whatever I plan to do, or to go back and finish, it never works out, and every year I make a liar of myself. But silly me, I still HOPE to finish an urban fantasy I started in the fall of 2019…
I envy the ability to read so much so fast. On top of not being a fast reader, these days my eyes tire very quickly. What a beautiful patchwork quilt all these book covers make! I’m honored to see mine, and the collaboration with Dan. Your reviews mean the world to me. Thank you. <3 Big hugs.
Thanks, Teagan 🙂 The internet has been so much a part of our lives that it is hard to do without. Yes, we do need those says of doing nothing. Just to be. Surrending isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes, it takes us in a better direction. Aren’t all those books beautiful together? Such amazing talent there and a pleasure to read. Big hugs back xo
Wow, Denise, that’s a lot of books! I don’t know how you do it with blogging and your other projects, but you inspire! And I’m honored to have my book be a part of your list. Thanks again for reading and for your wonderful review. I’m currently working on my first children’s book and hope to release it mid year or earlier.
Happy reading and writing! xoxo
I love to read, and it’s become a part of my bedtime ritual 🙂 Happy I was lucky to read your book. How wonderful you are working on children’s book. I look forward to reading it. Thanks! Happy reading and writing to you, too. Xo
Wow Denise, that’s some large read list. Congrats and may all your ambitions for 2024 come to fruition. 🙂 xx
Thank you, Debby 🙂 Happily many more on my reading list. I hope all your ambitions come to fruition this year, too, xo
Thanks so much. <3 xx