“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” (2 Chron 15:7).

In light of my word for the year, “create,” I’ve set two major writing goals for 2021.

I’m getting closer to finishing my first Christian cozy mystery novel, which I’ve titled Death by Dice: A Bunco Club Mystery. You may not know the story behind this book, but it’s been quite a process. I started writing it in early 2016 as a novella, and I completed it about a year later with 20,000 words. Then I decided to challenge myself further and add enough content for a complete novel. It’s taken several years and multiple starts and stops (I’ve quit for up to a year at a time twice due to health and family emergencies). Since last April, I’ve written steadily, and now I have a completed draft at just over 64,000 words! I’m making final revisions, and I’ll send it to my content editor and beta readers within a few weeks. Thanks to all my friends who checked in and held me accountable for finishing this project!

There’s more to releasing a book than just the story, so I’ve contracted with cover designer Marya Heidel of Strong Image Covers to create the cover for the book. I’ll reveal the cover in a few months in my newsletter and on social media. The release is scheduled for early fall 2021.

The word “create” has shown up in the events to which I’m giving my time and money this year. I’ve committed to several virtual writing conferences and workshops throughout the year, and I’ll speak at some as well. On February 6, I attended the Story Mastery class taught by Michael Hauge, who consulted on scripts including I Am Legend starring Will Smith. Thanks to his instruction, I have a rough outline of the second book in my cozy mystery series.

I’m also excited to be working on a new devotional about gratitude and thanksgiving. If you’re a newsletter subscriber, you’ll learn the title later this week when I publish my February newsletter. I’ve completed the brainstorming phase and have a list of entries to include. As soon as I send my novel out for feedback, I’ll focus more on this devotional. I’ve contracted with Linda Boulanger of Tale-Tell Book Covers to design the cover for this book. She designed my other beautiful devotional covers. I hope to release this book in time for Thanksgiving.

Now that you know my writing goals, you can hold me accountable. What is a goal you’ve set for yourself this year? I would love to encourage you if you want to share!

Dear Jesus, thank you for the way the word “create” is already showing up in my life. I have big goals, but I know you direct my plans. I pray I will follow your lead wherever these projects take me. Amen.