The beginning of the year is traditionally a time for taking stock and resolving to do better in the months ahead. As authors, we face particular challenges. Here is a partial list, which is particular to my own needs. Perhaps, it will be of benefit to you in discovering what to continue or improve. Tools of the trade - Though some authors still write manuscripts in longhand, I would be lost without a computer. My desktop computer is about five years old, with a Windows XP operating system. XP will no longer be supported by Microsoft in April, 2014, which means no more updates. That will leave XPs more vulnerable to viruses. Other strikes are: XPs were not designed for multi-tasking, and my present computer cannot be expanded past its 4G of RAM. To be prepared, I broke down and ordered a Windows 8 computer with 12G of RAM. No Excuses - After the new computer is set up, which hopefully will happen within at least two weeks of its arrival, I will have no excuse to dilly dally...