Hello, darlings.

I’m back in the saddle again. This time, I’m ready for world domination…I mean, I’m ready to tackle 2022 with new goals and a metric ton of motivation. That’s always how it starts, isn’t it? Ask me how it’s going on April 1^st, and I’ll let you know if I’ve still got a grip on my sanity.

But let’s be positive and open-minded. Yes. Goals are a wonderful thing, if they’re reasonable, attainable, and set clear expectations. You don’t want them to be so overwhelming that even thinking about them makes your head spin and twists your stomach into knots. Small, attainable goals will help us reach our ultimate dreams, whatever they may be.

Last year my goal was simple and straightforward.

1. Write one book every two months. Six books total for the year.
2. Publish one book every three months. Four books total for the year.
3. Take time for family and friends.
4. Take time for myself when necessary to avoid burnout.
5. Give myself grace.

Well, I thought those goals were pretty reasonable. By December 31^st, 2021, I had written six novels, one Christmas novella, and two short stories. Now my typical novel is around 50,000 words, and my novellas are around 25,000 words. All in all, I’d say that’s a pretty good year for me.

I chose to publish four books a year because I’m writing, editing, and marketing all at once. That work is all on my shoulders, so spacing things out ensures I can give great quality stories, properly edited, to my readers multiple times a year. After ten years of writing, I have finally found my groove, and I kind of like it.

For the record, last year I also homeschooled my two kids, moved from Italy to Wyoming, and crashed with family for six weeks over the summer. Even though all that, I wrote when I could, stuck to my goals, and bam! Nailed it.

Now, this year, my goals are the same, but I’m adding an extra layer. Marketing. And no, I’m not talking just throwing ads up on Facebook and Amazon and calling it a day. No, I want more. I crave more.

What do I desire? I want a sincere connection with my readers. I envision a community of readers who love romance of all subgenres. I want you to join me on these epic journeys across time and around the world. I crave the companionship of adventurous readers like myself. Will you join me?

I may have an eclectic backlist, but it’s so much more than just an author who can’t stay in her lane. I write the stories I long to read. The ideas for my books come to me, and I cannot deny their demands. They chose me, and I follow willingly because I want to experience their story firsthand. Where will it lead? I want to travel to medieval Scotland one day and Prohibition Illinois the next. I have my own personal time machine that can whisk me to another century and continent where I can bask in all the enduring love stories. Could you deny their request if they chose you? I cannot.

This year, let’s come together in celebration of our love of romance, no matter the subgenre. Being part of a community gives us a warm and welcoming place to connect and share the love. Join me, and we can make it happen together.

Cheers! I wish you all the best in the coming year. Thanks for being amazing. Your support means the world to me.

All my love,

Kirsten S. Blacketer