We need a Do-Over!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Check out this great quote.

“Don’t think there are no second chances. Life always offers you a SECOND CHANCE … It’s called TOMORROW.” —-Nicholas Sparks

Since I don’t do resolutions anymore, I try to look at the New Year as a SECOND CHANCE, bringing another opportunity to accomplish a goal, to visit a friend, to make that phone call, to take care of that one thing we’ve been putting off.

This year gives me a SECOND CHANCE for me to write another novel. As you all know, in 2022, I self-published my novel, RELATIVE CONSEQUENCES, and mentally scratched that off my lifetime to-do list. Now, I need to focus on a new objective, to keep writing and not give up on this new venture, LIES IN THE RIVER, which has a long, long, way to go.

So Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, I’m here today in January 2023 and alive. I have another chance to write about a strong female character—one who is relatable, flawed yet entertaining. I introduced Millicent Campbell, the protagonist in Lies in the River, to you in my September 2022 blog. Millie is a member of the large multi-generational Campbell family who has owned land in Clover County, Georgia since her ancestors settled in the area. Her character is a woman who gets things done, so her family depends upon her strength.

How about you? What do you have a second chance to do in 2023?

As I write, I plan to give Millie Campbell, as well as several other characters in the story, second chances as well as a third, and possibly a fourth to get their acts together. In Millie’s case, she must be steadfast in reaching her goals, all the while counting on her inner strength to help her family in a crisis. Humans move forward in life, wipe the slate clean, or try again, etc. If we want and if we are given the time, we can have new chances day after day with each January presenting a great big do-over. Anyway, that’s how I look at it.

The definition of resolution: A firm decision to do or not to do something.

The definition of a do-over: A new attempt or opportunity to something better than a previous attempt; a makeover, as a renovation….”

For me, there will be no resolutions or promises this year. I’ll just make it a do-over year to work on a healthier me, plan a vacation and look forward to it, and remind myself daily not to waste precious time.

“It’s never too late to start. It’s too late is a lie that will stay with you if you let it. So don’t.” —Jon Acuff

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HURRAY FOR STRONG WOMEN IN FICTION!

“You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.” ——Rosalynn Carter

I’m happy to announce that I have signed up quite of few Guest Bloggers for 2023. These authors will share how they use strong female characters in their own stories. In February, I can’t wait to welcome Author K.D. Sherrinford from Lancashire, England, who writes the “Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mystery Series.”

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Also in my February blog, I will announce a contest where you can win a free copy of my novel, RELATIVE CONSEQUENCES. I will draw names (or rather, email addresses) from the list of people who have signed up for my newsletter, Jody’s Journal, via my website (Jodyherpin.com). So check it out and sign up!! You can view the latest edition at https://bit.ly/3XPzSKz.

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And don’t forget, my current novel, RELATIVE CONSEQUENCES, is available here: