2026 Goals, End of 2nd Quarter

Having my computer crash and being without one for a month did set me back.  But this is what I was able to accomplish.

Get published:  These are the steps that have been a challenge for me.  1) Save up for an editor.  Almost there.  Hope to have some big news by next quarter.  2) Get an editor.  Ditto. 3) Make changes based on editor’s notes.  4) Acquire a literary agent.

Write second steampunk novel:  Being without a computer for a month put me behind schedule.  Being tired from work has also hurt my productivity.  So, I have to refigure what my progress can be.  I have finished 6 out of 19 chapters.  I would have to finish a chapter every two weeks.  Don’t know if I can do that, but here is what it would look like.
     End of third quarter:  finish chapters 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
     End of Fourth quarter:  finish chapters 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 and do final rewrites.

Outline third steampunk screenplay:  I’ve never been one for an outline.  I’m a string-of-pearls writer, which technically is a form of an outline.  But maybe writing out an outline would help me write the screenplay faster, much like the screenplay helps me write out the novel faster.  It’s a method I want to try.  If I can end the year with an outline for the third screenplay, that would be a win.

Read a book a month:  I’ve already read one book.  Okay, I started it last year, but it still counts.
     #1  01/09/26  Finished reading, “The Star Group” by Christoper Pike.  No, not the Starfleet Captain.
     #2  02/14/26  Finished reading. “More Movie Memories” by Craig Miller.
     #3  04/21/26  Finished reading, “Juniper Fairchild and the Alterwhere”, by Gene Turnbow
     #4  06/10/26  Finished reading, “Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theater”, by Brandie June.
     #5  06/20/26  Finished reading, “Lion’s Den”, by Neil Citrin.
     #6  07/05/26  Finished reading, “Rails of the California’s Central Coast”, by Walter Rice, and Emiliano Echeverria.  Hey, just finished it today.  Maybe five days late, but I’ll still consider it on schedule.

Read my Bible:  Every year my church has a through-the-bible program, but I always fall behind and the give up.  I’m a couple days behind right now, but I can make that up.  I had been 23 chapters behind, then I caught up.  Then I went on vacation and got behind again.  I’m catching up, but I’m still 108 chapters behind.

Try four new cookie recipes:  Last year my goal was to try six new recipes, but I really only make cookies around Christmas.  I did try two new ones, one was a winner and one was a loser.  This year I’ll try for four.  None yet.

Get down to 194 pounds:  Last year, I actually gained 4.4 pounds.  I started this year at 204 pounds.  I’m going to try to lose a pound a month and get down to 194 pounds.
      Not doing well at this at all.  I wanted to be down to 200 pounds by the end of June.  I was at 208.4.  I’ve gained 4.4 pounds since the beginning of the year.

Make six blood donations:  Last year I only reached five donations due to my anemia, but I’m over that now.  Here, I’m doing well.
     First donation:  February 15, 2026
     Second donation:  April 25, 2026
     Third donation:  July 3, 2026
If I stay on schedule, I’ll still be able to make 6 donations this year.  I just need one more donation to reach 16 gallons!

     
Have business cards made:  Wanted to do this last year, but didn’t.  It would be nice to have them for in-person conferences, but I probably won’t really need them until I get published.  There are a few steps to this:  1) Take a new head shot.  2) Get a QR code for my website.  3) Design the card.  Nothing yet.

Just a bunch of little things to do:  There are always a bunch of little things you want to do, but don’t find the time for because they are not big things.  Last year I completed two out of seven.  If I get to half of them, I’ll call it a win.  1) Reorganize bookshelf on my left – again.  2) Reorganize bookshelf on my right.  3) Reorganize the three bookshelves in the living room.  4) Reorganize the four drawers in my desk.   5) Buy a new suit. I will need it when my book is published.  6)Try four new restaurants.  I’m thinking like, Irv’s Burgers, Hot Pot and Texas Road House.   I’ve tried one, the Anime Café in Tarzana.

Dennis

304th blog completed.

Second Steampunk novel: 23,229 words.  Chapter Six done.

Second Steampunk screenplay:  157 pages.

First Steampunk screenplay:  Updated with notes from the novelization.

First Steampunk novel:  77,483 words.  Completed until an editor reviews it.

Third Steampunk screenplay:  38 pages.

“Dennis hasn’t been doing much experimenting so far this year.  He and Kris have been going back to old favorites, but he has been noticing an influx of “cowboy” recipes in his Facebook feed.  Here’s one that he did try, “Cowboy Crockpot Mac and Cheese”  https://www.facebook.com/reel/2158180101646850

This was off a reel on Facebook.  It’s almost more of a chili than a mac and Cheese, especially with a packet of chili seasoning in it.  But whatever you call it, it was a hearty meal, and I believe classifies it as a ‘cowboy’ dish.  It’s a definite winner.  And it’s a good thing we like it, because the recipe makes a crockpot full.  Next time, I think Dennis should halve the recipe.”  – Vincent Reinhart.