First Blog Post of 2014

pic thanks to Henry Cavill FB page

New Year's resolutions should be kept realistic - in marketing terms S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time Scaled) - so wanting to marry Henvil Cavill, with him wearing his Superman outfit while I'm donned as Wonder Woman is probably a resolution stretch too far. It's not impossible, but not likely to be probable... but a girl can dream, right?

2013 wasn't a bad year for me. Okay, it sent me my usual ups and downs in life, that we all get, highs and lows, but nothing I couldn't survive, or time didn't heal.

I did start the year moving into a new home, and however much smaller it is to my old house, it is all mine, and it's cosy, and I've never felt more at home in a house than I do in this place. I'm lucky that I have nice neighbours and a fantastic Dad who's helped with the DIY.

Half way through the year I then got 'the call'. And in August I saw my very first book published, Plus One Is A Lucky Number. I don't think anything can quite top that, other than having a baby. But that's a different achievement in itself.

I've never really known what I wanted to do in life, I've ambled along in secretarial, market research and administration before the kids were born, and when I decided I wanted to be a writer, I knew it would be a hard slog to see that book published. To have achieved it and to be apart of one of the biggest publishers in the UK (let alone the world) is just EPIC.

I'm not very good at setting Resolutions. However, I will endeavour to read more (and play CandyCrush less). I will set myself the target of 40 books over on Goodreads again. I didn't achieve it last year, or the year before, (2012 was a turmoil one for me) but it's good to have a goal, as it motivates me to read.

Two, I am under contract to finish a second book. I want to get it edited and over to my editor by the end of January - February latest. This way I can start writing my third book, which I would like to deliver to my editor by the end of the year. Yes, I would like to see two more books out there with Teresa F Morgan on them by the end of 2014.

Three, meet Henry Cavill... okay, okay, that one isn't SMART, I know!

But that's about it. I will try not to get too upset or take it to heart when friends let me down. I need to be less paranoid and more focussed, and appreciate the good friends that I do have. I'll try to remain as fit and healthy as I can (I want to start running again! So intend to get my hip looked at), sticking to my everything in moderation rule.

Whether 2013 was good or bad for you, I hope that 2014 is better. Remember, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and that time is a very good healer. If there is one thing I did learn from last year, it was not to be afraid and to take that step, however risky it may appear. You only live once, so make the most of it. If things in life don't make you happy, then try to change it.

Happy New Year!