New Year, New Books! (‘22 and ‘23 Reflections)
Happy New Year, all! I hope you celebrated in whatever fashion best suits you.
Now, if you’ll allow a self-indulgent moment, let’s take a look at what happened with my book business in 2022, then look forward to what’s coming in 2023.
‘22: A Year of Firsts
2022 was overall quite the momentous year for me, one full of firsts. I finished my first epic fantasy series (and my second!) in The Famine Cycle and Legend of Tal. I ran my first Kickstarter campaign (for The Last Ranger) and funded beyond my expectations. Justine Bergman created my first author logo. And on the personal side, my wife and I moved into our first house!
In addition to the firsts, I also released four books (Requiem of Silence, The Crown of Fire & Fury, A God's Plea, and The Last Ranger) and my audio publisher, Podium, produced three audiobooks (for Crown, God, and Ranger).
Suffice to say, it’s been a busy year! But while at times it’s been stressful, overall, I’m grateful for the successes and I’ve seen and the failures I’ve learned (or am still learning) from.
‘23: Onward and Upward
While ‘22 was great, I’m hoping ‘23 can be even better. Here’s what I’m looking forward to in regards to writing this year:
Continuing my two ongoing series: Ranger of the Titan Wilds and The Runewar Saga
At minimum, that means releasing The First Ancestor and The Stone of Iron & Omen (both of which are pretty close to finished already!)
Running my second Kickstarter for Ancestor, and possibly a third for the next book in Ranger toward the end of the year
Writing and releasing the third Ranger book
Podium producing more audiobooks — at least two at this point
Possibly starting a new series (though not yet releasing it). If you’re caught up on my catalog, you might guess which one this is!
Possibly releasing a boxset or two
I’m sure it’ll once more be busy, but I’m also planning to keep my schedule more flexible than last year. There’s enough stress in life without piling it on myself needlessly! That dovetails nicely with goals on the personal front, the first being making ‘23 the Year of Health. There are a number of things that I need to be better about, so my wife and I are hoping to establish good habits moving forward!
That about wraps things up for me. Let me know what you’re planning for ‘23 if you feel so inclined. May we all have a good year!
Josiah