Can I take about a week off work, where I can have a stay-cation? I love stay-cations. I would read, write, and relax. That sounds so nice.

I think that's a dream at best. A whole week off? In a department where there are only two employees? Definitely not. But a girl could dream. In the meantime, I'll do what I can with the time that I have. Sometimes I can fantasize about not having a full time job, but it makes time off special, something to look forward to.  

And I need to work the hours so I have money to buy novels. Yessss.

Giveaway and Reading Update

I was pleasantly surprised at how well my Instagram giveaway went. I hope the books make it to their destinations. Most were in the States, but one is headed for Italy and the other Pakistan. Can you believe it? I'm so grateful for those who entered the giveaway. One has even posted a review of Out of Orbit on her blog, which was terrifically sweet of her.

My writing's been on the back burner as I've been reading books with a vengeance. With my goal of reading 100 books in 2016, I want to make sure I beat it. 

So far, I've loved Struck by Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal by Chris Colfer and Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh. Both were so hilarious, with strong and unique voices, but they touched on deep subjects. I can't wait to enjoy even more novels in the future.

Here's hoping that I can write many as amazing novels as I digest. Wow, that sounded creepy. Promise, I don't actually devour the books. 

Books, Books, Books

I have over forty books, in my possession, that I need to read this year. I can do it. I will do it.

Sometimes I wonder if I should just toss my social life completely out the window. I always joke about quitting my day job so I can be a full time reader and writer. Of course, I'd never actually do that. I need money, I need social interaction, I need responsibilities. 

Forty books is an easy goal. I aim to read a hundred actually. 

Bring it on.

Christmas

Christmas is my favorite holiday, but it seems to have lost some of its luster. People used to be happier this time of year. Less and less houses are lit up.

Still, these things are small compared to what Christmas really means to me. Of course, I love presents. I love giving them, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't more than happy to receive. The spirit of giving is wonderful to have, and I'm going to try this upcoming year to keep it with me the other eleven months. 

I want to focus more on my spirituality, too. Celebrating the birth of our Savior has made me want to feel the Spirit in my heart more. 

This is a wonderful day, but it doesn't have to end on December 26. I can figure out how to have a similar attitude all year long. 

(Also, I just bought myself more books with a gift card I received, and I have over 40 novels in my possession that demand being read. Oh dear. Say goodbye to my social life--if I had one to begin with, teehee.)

Giveaway

I'm running a giveaway on Instagram and Facebook for my book, Out of Orbit. It'll run until Christmas Eve and includes fun goodies! I have three copies available and I'm excited to see who's interested. 

New Idea

I've always wanted to write a novel including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, since it has played such a huge role in my life. Had a wonderful book idea (at least wonderful to me) that could incorporate it, and I'm really excited to eventually start working on it. Emphasis on "eventually", because before I can work on anything else, I need to finish my NaNoWriMo novel so I can edit/rewrite it. 

Goals

I've been trying to think of some goals I could have for myself, to progress in the writing world. Maybe it's time I take a writing class--it's been forever since I've had one, my junior year of high school back in 2010. Perhaps I should research agents and actually go the traditional publishing route. But most importantly, I should finish another novel. At least to where I can have beta readers go through it. Time to get serious.