As in my left-brain life (the highly rational and emotionless corporate job life, mother of two, and household to run), where the financial closing of the (accounting) books leads my workflow, also my right-brain life (known as an aspiring writer, avid reader, head on the moon, and deep on feelings) needs some closings.

So here is the recap of Q1 Closing:

• Words officially written: 16 000
• Characters fully developed: 1 out of 8
• 2 days London Book Fair
• 19 blog posts, of which two book reviews
• Books read (as research, of course): 15
• Blog organized and Instagram page created
• Masterclasses on Writing: 12/16 episodes on N.K. Jemisin + 7/23 on Margaret Atwood

It’s nothing impressive, and at this rhythm, I might have this book written in 2 years, which is really behind the deadline I had set for myself.

Nonetheless, January was a horrible month for productivity (as it always is). In the last month, I’ve increased the pace by spending at least 1 hour on something related to the book daily, so Q2 sounds more promising.

Q2 objectives:

• Written words: 24 000. With the total words 40 000, which would be c. 1/3 of the book.
• Characters fully developed: 3 out of 8.
• 26 blog posts, including complete book reviews (6 from Q1).
• Books read: 12
• Masterclasses: Complete N.K. Jemisin + Margaret Atwood + half of another writer masterclass
• Instagram strategy: post 1x / week (leverage on the blog, find easy wins)

I have to confess that it seems daunting. How am I going to find time for all this? But at the same time, I am nothing more than ambitious, especially with the things that give me joy.