With a brand new decade around the corner, it feels like the New Year is especially poignant. 2019 wasn’t the best year for me, with lots of challenges, but I’m hoping that the year ahead brings great things!

Lucy Goes to Hollywood is only two years old, but I’ve already been so grateful for the opportunities that it’s brought me. I’ve made so many brilliant friends, I’ve attended two film festivals as press, and have seen plenty of great films along the way.

I didn’t do everything I wanted in 2019, as it hasn’t been the best year for me. With my own personal mental health struggles along with the death of my grandma in July, I wasn’t as motivated as I’d hoped.

So here’s ten things I’d like to achieve in the new year:

1. Write two posts a week

If I’m perfectly honest, I didn’t write as much as I would have liked in 2019. So I’m planning on writing one feature film and one Short Film Saturdays review each week. This excludes any other websites I contribute to, as they will be additional posts.

Doing more than that will probably be achievable if I’m particularly motivated, but sticking to this target regularly seems realistic. Plus it’s a good way to boost my blog without burning out.

2. Remember to take regular breaks

On the topic of burning out, taking regular breaks will be hugely beneficial to my mental health. I’d like to limit my social media use to a few hours per day, as I’ve become very heavily reliant on scrolling through Twitter etc.

This doesn’t mean I’m disappearing, I’ll still be available in the usual places, it’s just good to step back and spend more time offline.

3. Collaborate with even more people

It has been an absolute pleasure guesting on podcasts in 2019, and I’ve made so many friends as a result of this. I’ve listed most of my podcast appearances here, if you missed any of them!

In 2020 I would love to work with new people, as well as continuing to guest on podcasts such as At the Flicks, Cinemania World, and more.

4. Reach 10,000 Twitter followers

Yes, this is a really ambitious target! But I’m passionate about growing my audience and networking with even more film fans and professionals. If I could double my following next year then that’s a fantastic achievement.

And if I can’t, it doesn’t matter. I’m having so much fun doing all of this and meeting so many like minded people. I never thought I’d have so many people I’d genuinely call my friends, but I do!

5. Attend more festivals

Attending London Film Festival 2019 was such a pleasure, and I’m keen to attend even more film festivals in 2020. It’s really boosted my confidence as both an individual and a blogger.

Currently I’m looking at FrightFest and a few overseas festivals too – let’s see where life takes me!

6. Improve my Instagram and Patreon profiles

is definitely my weakest profile, as I haven’t quite figured out a posting schedule or style yet. But hopefully in the New Year I can make it look even better and more engaging for those who follow me!

I also have a Patreon, but I’m currently working on giving bigger and better rewards to my patrons. This includes regular weekly shoutouts, as well as more physical rewards such as merchandise.

7. Pitch my work to more places – and don’t be scared of rejection!

Having anxiety and running a blog can be very difficult. I even wrote a blog post about my experience doing that. I’ve let my anxiety stop me from reaching out to people and trying to open myself up to new opportunities.

For a long time I’ve been scared of the word ‘no’, because it’s rejection, but if I don’t try to pitch my work I’ll never get anywhere. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

8. Write more personal blog posts whenever I’m inspired

I’ve always been open and honest about who I am, and the struggles I’ve faced, and it would be good to write more personal articles from time to time. I’ve done a couple in the past and the response was really great.

If you’ve got any suggestions for what you’d like to see – let me know!

 

9. Organise regular film meet ups

One of my personal highlights from this year has been meeting the faces behind the Twitter handles. I’ve felt so honoured to meet with passionate, kind film fans and would love to meet even more in 2020!

Who’s game for another meet up?

10. Be myself!

Is number 10 a bit of a cop out? Probably. But as scary as it is putting yourself out there online, I think it’s really important to be authentic and genuine. I’ll never pretend to be someone I’m not and I’d never change to fit in.

I’m content being Lucy Buglass and that’s fine with me.

 

Happy new year everyone! What are your goals for 2020?