Reflections on 2021 & Aspirations for 2022
Ever since writing Reflections on 2019 and Aspirations for 2020, these yearly reflection posts have become a little tradition for me. Last year I wrote Reflections on 2020 & Aspirations for 2021, so this year I sat down and read both posts before writing this one. It is amazing to have a little digital goal journal to revisit, especially when I need to remind myself of how far I have come.
2021 was projected to be the year life returned to normal. After Delta, and with Omicron on the rise, 2021 was a rocky ride, but I love seeing again the highlights fellow writers and bloggers have found time to share. Here I am sharing my reflections on 2021 and aspirations for 2022!
2021 treated me decently, again offering me time to write. This year I made an effort to find and research magazines, journals, and presses that I feel are a good fit for my writing. I recently put together a comprehensive list of 250+ magazines, journals, and poetry presses to help me easily find places to submit to every month. Let me know if you are interested in it, as I plan on writing a post about it and including a download link to the spreadsheet soon.
Reflections on 2021 and Aspirations for 2022: Writing Reflections
15 of my poems are published in seven print anthologies.
Last year was the first time my words were printed in a book. I wrote then that, holding the book in my hands, I felt like the greatest wish of my past nine year-old self had been fulfilled. This year I am so proud to fulfill that wish seven times over again! Here is to many more print publications.
I submitted every month to Visual Verse’s monthly online anthology.
Eleven out of twelve of my submissions were accepted! I tried hard for a straight twelve out of twelve, but one prose piece I wrote was rejected. Nonetheless, I am proud of what I did accomplish and, if you fancy, I posted the rejected piece on my blog. I think it is a strong piece of writing so consider reading it here.
Over half a hundred pieces of my writing were published.
Last year I had 43 poems published. This year my published pieces number 55 and include poetry, prose, and a short essay. I pushed myself to write in different fields and meet with success! I aim to meet but ideally exceed 2021’s publications by the end of 2022.
I was paid for my poetry!
This is a big milestone for me! The token payments I received from two different publications for two of my poems men so much to me; they give me the confidence to start submitting to higher-paying journals and finally believe my writing is worth what it is to me to others.
Bonus: New Job!
This is not a writing reflection for 2021, but it needs a home in here somewhere. After a year of not working, I am working at my local chocolate and candy shop three days a week, packaging and selling delectable, delicious-smelling sweets and made-on-site chocolates. It is a fun job with minimal exposure to conversational and friendly people.
Nominated Spillwords Press Author of the Month (July)
In July I was nominated Author of the Month at Spillwords Press. It being the first time I received a nomination, I was moved, touched, and honored to know people voted me July’s favorite poet!
I worked with brands and authors
I worked with a brand to write a post I am extremely pleased with. Titled How Small Business Owners Can Expertly Utilize Gift Tags to Increase Sales w/ Aura Print, it highlights how gift tags can be an incentive for buyers and readers. I am most pleased with the photos, which turned out exactly as I imagined them!
I was also sent The Weight of Black Holes by Vincent Hollow to review! I love the visual layout of the book and plan to read and review the sequel shortly.
Reflections on 2021 and Aspirations for 2022: Blogging Reflections
Earlier this year, I switched to a self-hosted WordPress site. Building back up the growth I lost from the discoverability of the WordPress.com Reader has been hard and frequently demoralizing, but I am looking forward to writing an abundance of search-friendly writing & blogging guides and figuring out how I can better put my poetry under more eyes. Recommendations welcome!
As of this writing, Nin Chronicles has over 1,500 WordPress followers. I am honored to welcome people into the community I am working hard to build. Reaching over 3.6k Twitter follows before the year ended is an equally fine way to head into the new year!
I met you
Community is an important part of writing. I am delighted to connect with you, experience my writing anew through your readings, and ultimately grow from the stories you share. Thank you for sharing this journey with me!
2021’s Wishes:
I wish to publish a book
This almost happened! I have two collections of poetry (Blackberry Orchard & Tangle Patch) drafted. My focus in 2022 will be deciding how to publish them.
Bonus Goal: I wish to start a newsletter
This is a goal I set myself in 2019 in my Reflections on 2019 & Aspirations for 2020 post. This year I launched my newsletter. Each month I email out a small list of blogging and writing opportunities (both free & paid) that I hope will help you further your writing and blogging endeavors. Sign up here if you are interested in receiving these opportunities. I also include writing and blogging news in each newsletter.
I wish to reach 15 patrons
Once I have a better idea of whether I will publish an illustrated digital poetry collection or query small presses, I will relaunch my Patreon page. For now, I have put it on hold.
I wish to make at least $1 through future writing publications
Yes! I am so, so pleased I made this goal! It may seem like a small one, but it is the biggest one to my writer’s heart.
Goals for 2022
I love reading my Reflections on the year and Aspirations for the next year posts every New Years, so I am putting down a few goals to work towards in 2022. Normally I like to have a small list, but this time I am reaching a little higher!
I will
- publish a book
- relaunch my Patreon page
- make at least $100 through future writing publications
- make at least $200 through future brand collaborations
- Score 1200+ on the SAT test in May
May 2021 have treated you as well, if not better, as it has treated me.
May 2022 flower and blossom for us together.
Consider sharing a highlight from your 2021 with me. May the words flow!
Ebitimi Creates
Wow you are amazing! you had a great year in 2021, I wish you the best of 2022 and hope you achieve everything on your list! and also I agree , having a digital journal or timeline of your growth is a great reminder of where you are now and where you used to be!
Susi Bocks
My wish for you is you meet all your goals, Jaya! 🙂
Jaya Avendel
The same to you, Susi!
Susi Bocks
Thank you, Jaya! <3
Suzanne
What a prolific writer you are. Congratulations on all the work you have had published. How inspiring.
Eri Tz
You did a great job during 2021 Jaya! You should be really proud of yourself. Your writing deserves all the best. I think I may also write a post like this one. A year ago I wouldn’t even have thought about having a blog, being a part of such a supportive community and sharing my writing in English. Creatively wise I should work more on expressing myself in English. I always did so in Greek so I think this is my main goal for 2022.
I honestly wish you all the best with your writing and I can’t wait to see you published! I would love a hard copy of your book 🙂
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for sharing your dreams and for supporting mine! May the words flow all around.
barbaraleaver
Wishing you a very productive and happy 2022! All the best with your SAT. I look forward to reading your work x
Ali Duke (@weirdoA)
You achieved so many great things in 2021 and I am sure you will achieve much more in 2022 with your great writing.
femaleoriginal
What a fantastic year of achievements! I can’t wait to see what you achieve in 2022 🙂
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
Gemma Jayne
What a wonderful and beautiful year you have had! Congrats on all the writing that you have wrote and got published and also the job you have (which still means you can focus on the writing too) 🤗 have a great 2022!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Gemma! You too.
Cindy Georgakas
What a great year for you Jaya and so much to be proud of. I can never click to respond to you on your posts when you visit. Not sure what’s going on but will keep trying, Akk the best for a new year! 💖💖💖
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Cindy, for the well wishes and for sharing a click difficulty. Perhaps I am doing something wrong. I will check!
Cindy Georgakas
You are so welcome. Oh it’ most likely me but I do try to click on you sometimes when you make comments and can’t there either. Main thing is that you are in my favorites now! YIPPEE but do let me know if you find anything else. 💖
Hacketthillfarm
Oh my gosh you are such an inspiration! Congratulations on all of your publications and know we are here cheering you on as you tackle that book!!!! All the best in 2022 sweet friend
Jaya Avendel
Your words mean so much to me. Thank you!
Raji (@journeyintofantasy)
Congratulations on your accomplishments this past year Jaya! I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts. Hope you have a wonderful 2022!
Loren
Congratulations on getting your poems published, for being paid to write (super exciting) and getting a job!! It sounds like you had an amazing year and I hope that in 2022 you’ll fulfill and surpass all of your goals.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Loren! I am so grateful for your words.
daneelyunus
Happy New Year
Corinne
Sounds like you had a great yet! Submit those pieces to higher paying journals for sure. Good luck in 2022 🙂
Corinne x
notesoflifeuk
It sounds like you’ve had a great year. Well done! Good luck for your 2022 goals! Happy New Year!
bloglifewitherica
Congratulations on all of your wins from last year! And congratulations to the many more wins you have ahead of you this year. Keep working each day towards your aspirations. You are so creative, so please keep writing. You are a inspiration to so many, don’t ever forget that.
I can’t wait until you publish a book. I definitely will support you.
xo Erica
Jaya Avendel
Thank you so much for your amazing words, Erica!
Michele Lee
What an incredible year you have had Writer Jaya. It has been a thrill following you and learning of your accomplishments. You are so talented and creative!
Her Digital Coffee
What an incredible reflections post. There’s so much to celebrate! Congratulations on publishing your poetry and receiving compensation! I can’t wait to see your success grow in 2022!
S.S. Mitchell
I would like to say a massive congratulations on all of your achievements in the last year! This is so impressive and has inspired me to start submitting again 🙂
Jaya Avendel
I am so glad to hear it! Truly the best of luck.
Daphny Aqua
Congratulations Jaya, what an achievement. Here’s to many more 🥂
Eugi
Congratulations on your accomplishments, Jaya! I recently switched to a self-hosted blog and experienced some of the same issues with my posts appearing in the Reader. I am assuming you have the upgraded version of Jetpack because that was the key for me.
Wishing a safe and prosperous 2022! 😉
Jaya Avendel
Ah, thanks for the tip, Eugi! It is deeply appreciated.
Eugi
Most welcome, Jaya!
AKwafrigeria
This is inspiring
Congratulations 🎉
Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)
Congratulations on an impressive year Jaya. I can’t wait to hear an update on your 2022 progress!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Michelle! All the best to you as well.
Angie
Wow, these are amazing accomplishments! If this is what 2021 had in store for you, I’m curious to find out what 2022 will bring. 🙂 X
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for the encouragement, Angie!
laurabooksandblogs
I love to hear when people’s hard work pays off. Your accomplishments definitely show how it can. Good luck in 2022!
Jaya Avendel
The same to you, Laura! I always love reading your posts.
the hot goddess
What an amazing list of accomplishments, Jaya! So inspiring! Congratulations💜🎉
Charity
Good luck to you! I hope you accomplish all your goals and more this year. Happy new year to you!!
Andrew McDowell
Best of luck with your goals! For myself, I definitely want to finally get another manuscript completed, and I hope to get more reviews of my work as well.
Jaya Avendel
Best of luck, Andrew!
Andrew McDowell
Thank you!
Isa A
These are quite big, solid, tangible goals. Loved reading them. Congrats on your job and press releases and nominations. And best of luck for the year. Xx
Isa A. Blogger
https://www.lifestyleprism.com/
esoterica
Wow, you had a year filled with dedication and well-deserved success! Congratulations, and Good Luck achieving your goals in the new year!! I’m hoping to complete at collection of short stories (at least the first draft) this year, and I’m taking much inspiration from you. 😊
Jaya Avendel
Aww, I am gratified you find me inspiring. Thank you and I wish you the best of luck. May the words flow!
readandreviewit1
Fab reflection – you accomplished so much last year! 55 published pieces is absolutely insane, you should be really proud of yourself. I can’t wait to see what else you achieve this year! Thank you so much for sharing, wishing you all the best for your writing journey in 2022. May the words flow! x
Jaya Avendel
Deeply appreciated! Thank you for the encouragement too. 😍
Cindy Georgakas
What a great reflection of the new year Jaya and congratulations on all of your wonderful posts and accomplishments. It’s a joy to read you! Happy new Year! 💖🌈🙏
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Cindy! Just read your yearly wrap and am hoping the words flow forever for you. 🥰
Cindy Georgakas
You’re soooo welcome!! I just saw that thank you soooo much!!! Just read it!!! 💖💖
Farrokh Namazi
May you achieve every goal you set up for yourself, both big and small.
Giulia
Hey, I love this post! I also love this idea and might do a similar post myself. Thanks for sharing, this was so inspiring. And OMG you sooo deserved to be published so I am glad you got accepted and published so much 🙂 So happy for you!
Jaya Avendel
I would love to read a highlight post from you! It is such a great way to realize the past year has been good. 🥰
Jewish Young Professional "JYP"
Congratulations! This is really impressive!
I’m interested in that list of 250+ publications if you’re willing to share. 🙂
Jaya Avendel
Absolutely and indeed! I plan to share the coming post soon.
rachelramdhan
Congratulations 🥳 You had an amazing 2021 and I hope you achieve all your 2022 goals and more!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you! Your words uplift me.
Ingrid
Congratulations, Jaya: a fine list of achievements and you should be proud. If you are thinking about publishing, look out for some exciting announcements from EIF later this week 😊
Jaya Avendel
O, my eyes will be peeled! Thank you, Ingrid. 😊