Why Now Is the Time to Double-Down on Your Goals

Where Fleur visits the Big Apple, becomes a president, and decides to focus on finishing things.

It’s February…! If you’re anything like me, this year is off to a rough start. The news is freaking me out on occasion, which does not help with my creative flow… I don’t want to hide from current events, but I did realize that I can limit how it impacts my day.

The end of the first month also had me examine my goals for 2025, which I’m doing okay on. But I could do better. Instead of lamenting over what I didn’t get done, I’m looking at how I can double-down instead. Sure, it’s easy to give up on those fitness attempts, writing goals, and other plans. But we’re only just getting started on 2025, and I for one am not about to let the man get me down.

I want to focus, and just finish things on my list. Huzzah!

If you also had a slow start, I hope you’ll join me. What are you hoping to accomplish?

It’s okay if you failed colossally in January. We’re all friends here. Chime in below this post and let me know how I can help you.

One of my 2025 goals was to travel and meet up with lots of friends, which I got to do in New York (more on this in the good news column below) last weekend. It was a short visit, but I did have time to roam around for a day. This was my first time in the Big Apple (something people had a hard time believing), so I wandered around like a proper tourist.

I’m not really someone who cares about your typical tourist hotspots, though I did catch a few. When I travel, I like to get a feel for what it’s like to actually live there—not the tourist version, but the real one. Also, I like to be surprised. It’s where the cool memories are.

Here are some NYC walkabout pictures:

I made friends with a bodega cat, because I am Fleur after all.

I caught a very cool exhibit at the Whitney Museum about Alvin Aisley, an amazing dancer and choreographer who made such a mark on history. Made me wanna dance in the middle of the museum. I did not, I behaved.

I also had pizza you fold to eat and copious amounts of cheesecake. It was so good, I forgot to take a picture.

I like you, NYC. I’ll be back to visit you again in a few months…

What I’m Writing

In my efforts to focus, I’ve now set my sights on finishing this writing craft book I tinkered with in 2024. No more tinkering—I want to finish it already. This month. Huzzah, again!

Working title: Writing Mysteries for MG and YA, though I’m taking suggestions…

Join me and tell me what your goals are for the month! It’s a shorty, this February. Let’s get some stuff done…

Good News

I’m the new president of the Rocky Mountain chapter of Mystery Writers of America… This means Wyoming, Montana, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado –hello, mystery writers of the Rockies! *waves like Forest Gump.

I love my region and am excited to connect with all the mystery writers, especially ones who may not have considered joining MWA. Let’s do something about that…

I hope to see you at a future event. Stay tuned for more...

I was in NYC to meet my fellow MWA Board members and get excited about a great year of mystery ahead. It’s a great organization full of fun and interesting people.

To prove my point: consider logging on for this free online mini-con—and you don’t even have to be a member to dial in. Anyone can join. It looks to be a great day to get inspired. You know, about crime.

You have to register by Feb. 6th, so don’t delay…

What I’m Reading

I had the pleasure of meeting fellow MG author Melissa Dassori for a quick NYC lunch, and she’s the loveliest person ever as well as an amazing writer. I found out that my library doesn’t carry her book J.R. Silver Writes Her World, so I quickly rectified that oversight.

Melissa and I were so busy chatting and eating good food, we forgot to take a selfie. Next time.

Check your library and independent bookstore for her book. We gotta support each other, right?

Where I’m Going

This coming month is on the quiet side overall, though I do plan to make a quick stop at Denver’s CCIRA on Friday. I’ll be doing an author speed dating thing, which will be fun. Educators are the best.

On a personal note, winter weather is kicking my you-know-what, so I’m also flying away to San Diego for a short trip. Fleur needs a little sun. I’m lucky enough to have an amazing daughter in California who doesn’t mind letting me crash on her couch.

In March, I’ll be at Left Coast Crime. Come join us if you’re in Colorado! We have all the fun on the mystery side of things, you know.

The Floof

Floof was not amused with my travel and was very vocal about it. She’s been very snuggly, but with an accusatory stare…

Sorry Floof. The year has only just begun…