I think it’s safe to say that I’ve been pretty poor with the blog over the second half of 2022. Time just seemed to run away from me.
It’s not been the year I expected, but that doesn’t make it a bad one, either. A lot of things have happened – and are still going on – that I’m still finding it hard to believe. Pinching myself doesn’t help!
As so many people are doing at this time, I figured it was worth looking back and seeing what I’ve done this year – the big things, at least – before looking to the future.
In 2022, I…
Published my second book
One thing I knew for certain was going to happen this year was the release of my second book, Recall Order. This is the sequel to Reality Check, and the second book in the Weight of the World series.
I was really hoping that this would be a sign of progress – that everyone who bought Reality Check would buy the sequel and new sales would come along.
Another naïve lesson.
That said, sales are still coming in for book one of my military sci-fi series, and some of these are ticking over into read0throughs for Recall Order. It’s not the surge I’d hoped for, but, in truth, I’ve had other things going on that have taken my time, attention, and resources.
Still, it’s getting a good reception so far, and I take heart from that. I think it’s a great step forward.
Moved back to Manchester
This has been on the cards since I returned to the UK from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, but it took much longer than I originally planned. I loved living here before my travels and enough has changed that the city feels new again – even though enough of it is still the same.
I still have friends here, although I don’t see them often enough. That’s on me, and decisions I’ve had to make. I’ve done what I can, but it doesn’t feel enough at times.
Still, I have a good job and a roof over my head. That’s more than a lot of people can say, so I’ll take the positive that I’m back in a place I want to be.
Bought my first house
The reason moving back to Manchester took so long was so I could BUY a house. Yup. A house of my own. It’s going to be weird and wonderful when I’m done with it – although it feels like a lifetime away.
I never intended to buy a project house, but that’s the way things fell. There’s a lot of potential in it – and a lot more work needed than I thought.
Unfortunately, with full-time work and everything that needs to be done on the house, nearly all my time, money, and energy is going into sorting it out. A lot of progress has been made, but there’s still plenty to do. In the end, given what the property market is like right now – and rising interest rates, I came out of this relatively well.
Regardless, buying is a better choice than renting right now. No matter what happens with this hole in my wallet, it’s still better than renting. Again, I’m fortunate to be in this position.
So, 2023…
2023 will be another big year.
Book three of the Weight of the World series will be released, and I’m looking forward to wrapping up this story. A few years ago, having a completed series published seemed such a long way away, but now I’m just excited to share the conclusion with you. I’ve upped the stakes with each book so far, and you can be sure that we’re going out with a bang this time!
I may return to this world in the future, but I have a lot of ideas to work through and it feels right to work on a new story. It’s been a bit of a pain that work on this book – and series – has fallen as I’ve been working on my house, but I’ll relish the relaxing once both are done.
I also have another project in the works, beyond the next series, but that’s going to stay my secret for now.
With the house getting closer to being done, what I really want in 2023 is a holiday. There’s been a lot happening at once, and I could do with a week (or two) somewhere warm and with no interruptions.
Well, we can dream, right?
I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas or holiday season and wishing you the best for 2023 whatever you have planned.
Happy Hogmanay!