Looking back at 2020, you could generously call it a mixed bag. There have been some great things to come out of this year, but it’s often been a struggle. The pandemic has interrupted a lot of goals and plans people had, sowing chaos on a global scale. I think it’s important to bear that in mind as we look back on what we’ve accomplished over the last 12 months. Especially compared with the things we set out to do. Conditions haven’t been optimal, to say the least! So, if you’ve come through the year with your health (physical and mental) broadly intact, I think you should consider that a win.

I also think it’s worth taking a look at the things we’ve achieved this year. Whether it’s what you set out to do in January or not, the fact is that making it through 2020 is something to be proud of! And chances are there was something worth celebrating along the way. Speaking for myself, although there was a lot that I obviously couldn’t do this year, there’s also a fair bit that I’m proud of.

2020 writing goals

I did finish the draft of my contemporary YA project, which was an exciting moment! That’s been out with beta readers, and I’m making some tweaks to the first chapter with the hope of doing something more serious with it in the new year. I didn’t get any short stories written – side note, if anybody can point me towards some resources for learning to write short stories that’d be much appreciated! But I did start a new story, a YA fantasy, which I’m enjoying working on.

Reading goals for the year

I read 68 books this year, according to my Goodreads records. Although I’m pretty sure there are books I’ve read and forgotten to update on there. Maybe one of my 2021 resolutions should be to keep on top of my Goodreads shelves…? At least 30 of those were either YA or contemporary fiction, according to my very rushed count. So that part of my goal was met!

Next year I think I want to focus more on newer releases. I also want to continue to broaden the range of authors whose work I read.

Other achievements from 2020

This summer I moved from the North of England to the South coast, a move that I’d wanted to make for a long time. I’ve been working full-time as a writer and editor for the last few months, which has been exciting. My friend and I launched a podcast this year, The Island Library, which has been going from strength to strength. It also now includes a book club!

Although 2020 has been grim, I know I’ve had a lot to be grateful for. I hope that, in amongst the mess of this year, you’ve had moments of joy and achievements that bring you pride. And, however this year has shaken out for you, let’s all hope that 2021 starts looking up sooner rather than later.

What have you managed to do, despite the mess this year ended up being? Share any 2020 positives in the comments!