Christmas is almost here–yay! I’m enjoying the season. It’s been flying by! A few years ago I pared down my Christmas prep and festivities, and it’s been good for me. So far this December I’ve watched a few Christmas movies, read a few holiday novels, baked some cookies, wrapped some presents, and stared at twinkle lights.
I’ve been reflecting on 2019 and looking forward to 2020. I’m making a “20 for 2020” list of things I want to do. In the meantime, check out my fun stuff of 2019 video below!
I’m taking a blog break until January 8. I plan on continuing our monthly goals. Mine are never glamorous, often repetitive, but that’s what progress is–consistent steps. Thanks for keeping me accountable.
Have a very merry Christmas! What “fun stuff” from 2019 makes you smile?
Every December I try to look back and remember what I’ve accomplished. Usually, it involves some head-scratching. Sometimes I give up because I don’t feel like going through my planner to figure out what I did. But this year, it was pretty easy.
I have yet to meet a writer who is 100% satisfied with what they’ve accomplished for the year. I’ll admit, I’m hard on myself, too. I always overestimate how much time I have and underestimate how long things actually take me. By things I mean writing, revising, and promo. Definitely promo!
When I reviewed 2019, I was pleasantly surprised.
Jill Kemerer’s 2019 Year in Review
Books Written:
Her Cowboy Till Christmas
The Cowboy’s Secret
The Cowboy’s Christmas Triplets
Books Released:
A Meddled Match
His Wyoming Baby Blessing
Western Christmas Wishes (w/Brenda Minton)
Her Cowboy Till Christmas
Books Plotted:
Book one in an untitled series
Book two in an untitled series
Book three in an untitled series
The Cowboy’s Christmas Triplets
Speaking Engagements:
January: Exquisite Planning
April: Exquisite Planning
June: Secrets of Writing for Harlequin
November: Creativity Workshop
Other:
President of Maumee Valley Romance Authors, Inc.
First romance story published in Woman’s World Magazine
Wrote the proposal for book one in untitled series
These three pictures sum up my writing life! The commute, the coffee, and the writing buddy.
I’m gearing up to plan 2020. I bought a new planner (!!), and I have a date planned with two close writer friends to discuss and set our goals for next year. I can’t wait!
The year-in-review exercise? I highly recommend looking back at what you accomplished. It’s easy to forget all the things we did!
Do you review your accomplishments for the year? Care to share them? Leave a comment!
And bless you during these final days leading up to Christmas!
Welcome to the 8th day of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway! Eleven Christian authors teamed up to show our appreciation to you, our readers, by hosting a massive giveaway.
The prizes are building, and today’s winner will receive ALL of the gifts below!
HER COWBOY TILL CHRISTMAS by Jill Kemerer
The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron
Recovered Secrets by Jessica R. Patch
A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson
The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd
Her Last Chance Cowboy by Tina Radcliffe
The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay
You Belong with Me by Tari Faris
How Do You Enter This Awesome Giveaway?
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below by following some of your favorite authors on social media and signing up for their newsletters. We draw a new winner every day, and on December 12th, we’ll give away a $100 Amazon Gift Card in addition to all the other great prizes!
And don’t forget to stop by Lindsay Harrel’s (linked) blog tomorrow to see what prize is added then!
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The first book in my new series (Wyoming Sweethearts) is in stores NOW! Her Cowboy Till Christmas is my 10th Love Inspired novel!
Not sure if it’s for you? Here are what some readers are saying:
“Three cheers for disgruntled cowboys everywhere — especially the way Jill Kemerer writes them! Embittered and cantankerous. Prone to wallowing in the pain of the past. And none to happy about his former sweetheart showing up on his doorstep without any warning. What a gnarly reunion! But for all his grumpiness, Mason is a sweetheart. He’s a doting dad and a kind neighbour and a devoted friend. A man who can be counted on…” ~ Amazon Reviewer
“As with Kemerer’s other Love Inspired books, this story contains a sweet romance. Mason and Brittany are characters that the reader wants to cheer on to their happily-ever-after. They have both wrestled with hurt and failure. Will this time be any different? The secondary characters of Ryder, Noah, and Nan in this book are wonderful additions to the story. Kemerer creates a setting that draws the reader in and makes you want to be a part! I definitely recommend this book for reader who enjoy a heart-warming romance set around the holidays!” ~ Amazon Reviewer
Click HERE for more information about Her Cowboy Till Christmas including purchase links!
I haven’t counted down the days until Christmas yet (and I don’t want to!), but I know they’re dwindling. Am I ready for the holidays? Of course not!
We had a really nice Thanksgiving. Delicious food. Good times with family. Even some Black Friday shopping. Not bad! But the party is over, and I want to finish this month, year, AND decade strong. Let’s look at how I did with last month’s goals, and then I’ll share my December goals!
Jill’s November 2019 Goals: How Did I Do?
WRITING:
Revise/polish proposal and send to agent. NO CHECK. Not even close!
Promote Her Cowboy Till Christmas, releasing November 19! CHECK.YES! YAY!
Content edit the draft I wrote in October. Check!
HEALTH:
Exercise 5 days/week. Check! I’ve found that creating a simple graph to X off each day helps a lot.
Log calories using MyFitnessPal. Check! For whatever reason, tracking my food works.
Eat more produce! Check!
OTHER:
Make a Christmas list. NO CHECK.
Start buying presents. NO Check. This stresses me out!
Read one novel. Check! YES!
Check out the newly remodeled Main Library in downtown Toledo. Check! Loved it!!
Jill’s December 2019 Goals:
WRITING:
Polish the third book in the Wyoming Sweethearts series and send it to my editor.
Revise/polish proposal and send to agent.
HEALTH:
Exercise 5 days/week.
Log calories using MyFitnessPal.
Attempt to implement homemade chia pudding as a snack.
OTHER:
Christmas shopping!!
Check out Christmas lights somewhere. The Toledo Zoo has an amazing display, but the crowds and traffic make me iffy!
Watch Hallmark Christmas movies and read the Christmas novels I bought!
Looking ahead to 2020…
Two of my local writer friends and I are getting together soon to discuss our goals for the next year. I’m excited about this. By setting several hours aside and meeting at a casual restaurant, we’re making goal-planning a priority. All too often, I’m guilty of putting off formal planning until the last minute. When I devote a chunk of time to plan in advance, I get more done throughout the year.
Also, it’s great to discuss my goals with I trust. They’ll tell me if I’m being ridiculously overambitious or not ambitious enough. And they often have ideas I never considered. It’s a win all around.
Next week’s blog will be early–Sunday, December 8, because I’m part of a HUGE Christmas giveaway! You don’t want to miss it!
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How did you do with your goals? Want to set new ones? Leave a comment!
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