In previous years I’ve made a habit of reflecting on the blog in a yearly wrap up. And normally, I’d have done that in December because, well, that just makes sense, right?

But who said I was normal? If you’re still under that assumption, I’m sorry to shatter the illusion but it was bound to happen at some point.

I didn’t publish much on the blog in December because I was traveling and visiting friends and managing life stuff. The next logical choice would have been to post this in January. New Year’s reflections and all that. However, I took a social media and blog hiatus in January, so I didn’t post much of anything anywhere.

But it’s still important to me to live on purpose for a purpose, which means taking intentional time to pause and reflect! As I’ve said in the past, I feel it’s necessary to assess the past before strategically planning for the future.

So as I get back into the swing of posting-y things, I’m starting my blog “new year” out with my traditional 2022 Wrap-Up/2023 New Goals one-two punch.

You’ll see the 2023 Goals next week, so stay tuned. 😉

But for now, here’s the belated 2022 Wrap-Up

Reading Wrap-Up

In 2021 I had set my reading goal to 60 and then needed to readjust to 50 books because that’s how life goes sometimes. So, for 2022, I thought I’d play it safe and start with 50, but I ended up adjusting the goal up to 60 for 2022.

• The 60 book goal included subgoals of: 12 nonfiction books, 3 devotionals, and 1 writing book
• I surpassed the overall goal with 63 books
• 15 nonfiction reads, 3 devotionals, and 2 writing books
• 17,211 pages, surpassing 2021 which had 15,385 pages

That included a combination of print books, ebooks, and audio books for the year, but doesn’t include non-Goodreads stats for things like alpha/beta reads, Author Conservatory student writing, etc. It does include a variety of genres, including a few children’s books because I do love children’s literature. There were also a combination of rereads and new reads, new-to-me-authors and old favorites, etc. I do a reading bingo each year to help keep a healthy variety in my reading diet.

Check out my 2022 Reading Recap to learn more about my favorite 2022 reads!

Some larger accomplishments for the year included:

• Finished buddy reading The Chronicles of Narnia with two friends–a reread for me, but the other girls were reading most of the books for the first time, which was a super cool group experience!
• Finished the Harry Potter series–my first time reading the complete series
• Finished S. D. Smith’s Green Ember series–another first time read and a very enjoyable experience
• Finished Kaylin Lee’s Destined series
• Made progress in K. M. Shea’s Timeless Fairy Tales series and in the Villain’s Ever After novella series

Additionally, I read several books that had been on the TBR for a while, including:

• Melanie Cellier’s Voice of Power
• Frank Peretti’s This Present Darkness
• Patrick Lencioni’s The Ideal Team Player
• Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon
• Gail Carson Levine’s The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre
• John Maxwell’s The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

Overall, a pretty satisfying year in the reading department 😀

GraceBought Wrap-Up

This month marks the 5th anniversary of the blog! GraceBought has had some ups and downs, but it’s been a fun little hobby and I’m so thankful for those of you who have joined me on this journey.

The blog wasn’t a high priority for the year, but as it was last year, intentionally viewing the blog with lower pressure has been nice. I’ve tried to stay mostly consistent with book reviews, though y’all know I’m far from perfect.

I do have a fun update I’m rolling out, but more on that next week in the New Goals post 😉

For our traditional stats (cause I’m a nerd XD)

• 54 posts in 2022
• 41,623 words

Thank you guys for taking the time to visit, comment, like, and engage <3

Writing Wrap-Up

One of my favorite areas of reflection! Writing in 2022 had some ups and downs, as life tends to do. But there were some pretty encouraging writing wins for the year.

I’ve transitioned away from student work in the Author Conservatory–mostly because I’m a full time staff member for the company, so I don’t really follow a student timeline. I’ve continued to enjoy the trainings and community, but I work more from the perspective of building out the curriculum, fostering community among our students, and supporting my team members. Author has been a blessing in so many ways and I’m honored to serve there for as long as God leads me.

Total sidenote, but we got a shiny new website and I LOVE IT!

I attended my second Realm Makers conference, my second in-person Young Writers Workshop Student Organized conference, and my first Mount Hermon (now the Vision Christian Writer’s Conference at Mt. Hermon).

The conferences were encouraging and educational. I met with friends, authors, students and their families, and I will cherish those moments. I got a lot of great feedback from professionals on my concepts and am adjusting some of my goals for 2023 based on their thoughts.

I completed a novella project and submitted it for a manuscript assessment. The original plan was to self-publish the book. I lined up an award-winning cover designer and everything. However, most of the feedback I’ve gotten has encouraged me to develop the story into a novel-length project and to pitch it traditionally. But more on that next week 😀

The novel from 2021 is currently with an award-winning author for a developmental edit that I’m super excited about. Submitting to her was another 2022 milestone, and I’ll share more when I’m able.

Personal Wrap-Up

I had some hiccups in the novella process last year, though I still got it drafted in about 4 months. Between my busy work schedule, traveling, and the usual curveballs of life, I skirted into December in burnout. It was a great year, a productive year, and one with new challenges and areas of growth.

I’m so thankful for the many blessings in my life and 2022 brimmed with amazingly supportive friends and God’s gentle hand. I’m learning how to love those around me as Christ would and how to more effectively communicate with others. I’ve learned to lean on my Father when trials arise and to pay attention to firm, healthy boundaries in difficult relationships. It hasn’t been an easy road, but it has been a beautifully paved one.

~*~

What about YOU?! I know I’m late to the party here, but how was your 2022? I’d love to know in the comments below!

What’s one thing you learned in 2022 or one way you grew? What’s one thing you accomplished and are proud of?

And a very belated Happy New Year to you all 😉 May 2023 be the best year yet!