I’ve never been big on traditional New Year’s resolutions. You know—exercise more, become a better person, save more money, quit drinking. Not than those aren’t admirable aspirations. It’s just that I know enough about myself to understand that such “one and done” declarations aren’t likely to get me all that far along in achieving my goals.

Apparently, I’m not alone, especially in the exercise category. According to research, twelve percent of new gym members join in January—and half of those quit by June.

Instead of making resolutions, I like to use this time of year to review the past and set intentions for the future. I also like the word “intention” better than “resolution.”

But whether you call them resolutions, intentions, goals, or objectives, there’s value in looking ahead. After all, no less an authority on life than Yogi Berra is credited with saying, "If you don't know where you're going, you might end up someplace else.”*

In an effort to see ahead into the mystery that is 2021, I’m asking myself a series of questions:

One thing I am committed to through June of 2021 when my term as president ends is keeping the SF Peninsula Branch of the CWC going strong. We have a fabulous board, great online (for now) programming, and many opportunities each month to connect with other writers and support your writing journey. I hope you’ll make CWC part of your 2021 plans/resolutions/goals.

Have you set intentions (or put forth goals or made resolutions) for 2021? How will you go about pursuing them? Do any of my questions resonate with you? Write and let me know.

Happy resolving,

Audrey

P.S. If you are interested in specific resolutions for writers, I like Jeff Goins’s list. I especially like his #1 suggestion: "Measure activity, not results. As a writer, your job is to share your truth, not worry about the outcome of your work. The first goal of a writer is to sit down and do the work, no matter how scary or hard it may be. When you do this, you almost always create something better and more honest than worrying about 'what will people think?' So, write what moves you and leave the results to the readers."

Registration for this meeting is required.

We are appealing to people's inclination to do what's right. Instead of requiring payment before registration, we respectfully request upon confirmation of your registration that you pay $5 (CWC members, any branch), $10 (non-members), or an amount of your choosing.

Note that our main meeting and Think Tank are shifted slightly later to accommodate speaker availability.

Bill Belew presents

led by Ellen McBarnette

Since launching their Growing Up Aimi Series (1300+ pages) in March of 2020, Bill & Mia Belew's books have been downloaded more than 6,000  times (and growing daily).

Finding and building peer networks will improve your chances for writing success. Ellen will share her extensive experience on how to do it, when to do it, who to bring in to your circle of chosen helpers, and why it works.

Ellen is the founder of the Beta Readers and Writers Group and The Introvert's Network. She has run writer peer groups since 2014. From NYC and DC, this former legislative advocate and professional storyteller lives in Hayward.

5 JAN, TUE

7 JAN, THU

12 JAN, TUE

13 JAN, WED

14 JAN, THU

19 JAN, TUE

21 JAN, THU

26 JAN, TUE

28 JAN, THU

For full event details, check out the CWC SF Peninsula Event Calendar on

the right side of the CWC Peninsula website.

9 JAN, SAT

11 JAN, MON

17 JAN, SUN

23 JAN, SAT

For full event details, check out the Outside Events Calendar on

the right side of the CWC Peninsula website (just below the CWC SF Peninsula Event Calendar).

Joan Gelfand was interviewed by Moira Gunn on "Tech National/NPR" about her debut novel Extreme.

Marianne Brems published Sliver of Change, a collection of 24 poems.

Darlene Frank published a new magazine, SPIRITED VOICES: A Writing Journey into the Deep Imagination. (Contact Darlene for more information).

Do you have writing news you want to share? Reached a goal? Got your author website up? Have success you want to shout about? Tell us about it!

Send an email to newsletter@sfpeninsulawriters.com with "Member News" as the Subject line, and the following information in the body of the email:

Description - No more than 15 words. Be as creative as your like - prose, verse, rhyme, stream of consciousness, you name it!

Who - your name (or pen name, if you're using one)

What - the exact nature of your success (i.e., short story, novel, website, agent, event, etc)

Where - links are great, or a physical location if it's relevant - or both!