What a difference a year makes
This past year has been tough for all sorts of reasons, although today I’m celebrating family, friendship, and fortitude. It’s the time of year when we all seem to reflect on the successes and disappointments of the previous twelve months, before diving headfirst into the sparkly frocks (or socks) and fizz zone!
Completing an interim assignment around Christmas 2023, I turned my attention to one-to-one coaching and writing during 2024. Along with moving house and a few other projects like making a wedding cake and two ‘significant’ birthday cakes, I spent a little time on a book about recruitment I had in mind to write. And just to add a bit of colour to the year, I also celebrated my seventieth birthday. I began writing a second book before I’d even decided what to do with the first one. Fairly typical of how I live my life, I didn’t have the confidence to publish the recruitment guide, so I began writing something else!
In January this year I had a lovely Teams call with an author and writing mentor Shelley Wilson to talk about the first book. With renewed enthusiasm and confidence I joined Shelley’s Writers’ Accountability Group to tackle the second book. Something completely new to me, I enjoy our group calls each month and learning about the mechanics of writing.
With huge amounts of patience (and talent) from my gorgeous stepson, Rob Watt, and my husband, Brian, How to Be the Best Candidate Every Single Time became a ‘self-published’ reality. And I was fortunate that Jen Parker, of Fuzzy Flamingo fame, was available to support me on that self-publishing journey. She made it fun as well as accessible, although I’m certain I was a ‘needy child.’
Today I’m thrilled that you’ve found time to read and compliment me on my first book, inspired me to write a third book Interviews Sorted You’ve Got This (due to be published mid-January next year) and given me the confidence to complete my second book A Red Lipstick Lover’s Life at Seventy – What’s Next? I’m hoping for an Easter publication date.
I’m still enjoying my coaching assignments and love that I’ve no intention of retiring or slowing down – just taking my life in a slightly different direction for another decade. Then, I might recognise what I really want to do with my life when I’m a grown up! Happy Christmas and here’s to a fun-filled and fabulous New Year for us all.
Fancy a chat about your ambitions for 2026, then Let’s chat.
