Jan Sikes

Closing the door on #2024 #HelloNewYear #2025

As I prepare to close the door on 2024, I am reflecting back over the year and all I accomplished. Remember this…nothing is ever perfect. The only perfection lies within each of us. But our outward world will never be 100% perfect because it is a fluid and changing thing.

What I accomplished:

I published two full length novels.

PURCHASE LINK

I did an extensive book signing tour in Missouri in the spring and added a book signing in Arkansas in the fall. I sold more books in 2024 than I’ve ever sold in a single year. I’m still in a daze over that and saying prayers of gratitude!

I revised and republished my very first book, Flowers and Stone. I feel so much better about it because it needed a lot of work.

PURCHASE LINK

Success finally came after a long struggle with getting my blog incorporated into my website. Never again! That was hard!

I created seventeen blog posts for Story Empire. I know I’ve said it before, but there is so much amazing and helpful content published three times per week at Story Empire. If you’re not already following, today would be a great day to start!

I wrote 99 blog posts here. The most visited, shared and commented on post is this one: https://jansikes.com/miracles-and-ghosts-a-christmas-collection-dlfinnauthor-newrelease-blogtour-christmas/ So, a big congratulations to D.L. Finn!!

I am working on my Top Ten Best books of 2024 list and it is so hard. I read 76 books and picking only ten is next to impossible, as it is every year. I honestly think the books I’ve read this year are the best ever! Authors are stepping up their game. We are all growing and learning as we go.

I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I have always been a huge Yellowstone fan, so I was ready for the conclusion which came pretty much as expected. I hated to see it end, but I have to tell you Landman is running a close second to Yellowstone. Taylor Sheridan is a writing machine!

My oldest grandson, Ryan, graduated from high school in May 2024, then left for Calvin College in Grand Rapids Michigan in August. He’s home for the Christmas holidays and I took him and a family friend to play Bingo one Friday night. And this NEVER happens, but I won $350 on the first game! We were so excited, but got nothing the rest of the night.

Gran and Ryan

My youngest granddaughter, Sammy, age 9, decided she wanted to learn to be a cheerleader this year, so it’s been fun watching her.

Sammy

My next oldest grandson, Joshua, plays tuba in the McKinney High School marching band, so I went to lots of football games to support him.

Joshua

My oldest granddaughter, Sydney, plays violin and it’s always a joy to go to her concerts. Both her and her little sister play piano and their recitals are always fun! She’s also in theater and I’m looking forward to an upcoming production when school resumes!

Sydney

My youngest grandson is so danged smart. He is 10 and loves math. He participated in a local MathCon this year. I loved that he got to go to Legoland with us!

Connor

Can you tell my grandchildren are my life? Participating with them in whatever they are doing is a top priority for me.

I went to Legoland with my daughter and three of the grands this year. You may remember this photo and the look of sheer terror.

I attended one wedding, two celebrations of life, and three music festivals. I’m sure I’m missing something, but that’s okay. Oh yes, and my daughter’s household got a new puppy, Ace. He’s a handful, but Rosie tries to keep him in line. They also moved into a new house.

Ace and Rosie

It’s interesting to look back and note the events. It’s been a super busy year. Going forward, I will be working on the third book in The Bargainer Series and possibly publishing a short story or two in 2025. I am so grateful for my family, friends and for this blogging community. What a supportive bunch of folks!!

I wish you a wonderful and prosperous new year ahead. Let’s make it a good one!

26 thoughts on “Closing the door on #2024 #HelloNewYear #2025”

    1. It has been busy and now I realize I didn’t even mention winning the book awards. 🙂 Oh well. Too much going on. I wish you and John a wonderful, healthy and prosperous 2025!

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