2008 Goals
I have a rough idea of what I need to do next year when it comes to writing. The problem is time. My full time job takes a big bite out of my day, so by the time I get home I'm rushing around answering emails, phone calls, doing assignments, critting, reading, and most importantly, writing.
I'm a regular list maker; been that way since I was a kid, but I don't wait until the first of the year to create my benchmarks. I make goals all year long.
For example: As soon as my goal for completing my last manuscript was reached, I immediately made two additional goals.
#1 I outlined the sequel while the first book was still fresh in my mind.
#2 I started a new book in a different world, but similar genre.
This accomplishes a couple of things. If the first book sells well, I can promise a sequel in short order. If the book gets a lukewarm reception, I can offer a different book and see how that's received. Either way I am keeping my options open. I'll be able to prospect with more than one project to a publisher or an agent.
Some people call that multitasking. --grin--
2008 has some formidable challenges in store for me. Not only will I need to continue writing and submitting, but I'll also need to concentrate on marketing and developing my brand. These are uncharted waters for me and for that reason I'm excited to see what develops.
What's on my plate for 2008?
• I'd like to complete three novels and one novella in 2008. (not so hard since one is nearly finished and the other two have been outlined.)
• Present a workshop at a conference
• Submit at least one article a month for publication.
• Continue my education by attending 3-4 classes in '08.
And my biggest challenge for 2008…
I am terribly shy. (Don't laugh! It's true.) So for 2008 I would like to be braver and comment more on people's blogs and writers' forums. If you'd like to help me out, keep commenting here and I will always answer you--and visit your blog. :o)
Now it's your turn. Tell me what your goals are for 2008. You can list them here or post your blog address in the comments area so I (and others) can go over and take a look.
What's on your plate for 2008?
I'm a regular list maker; been that way since I was a kid, but I don't wait until the first of the year to create my benchmarks. I make goals all year long.
For example: As soon as my goal for completing my last manuscript was reached, I immediately made two additional goals.
#1 I outlined the sequel while the first book was still fresh in my mind.
#2 I started a new book in a different world, but similar genre.
This accomplishes a couple of things. If the first book sells well, I can promise a sequel in short order. If the book gets a lukewarm reception, I can offer a different book and see how that's received. Either way I am keeping my options open. I'll be able to prospect with more than one project to a publisher or an agent.
Some people call that multitasking. --grin--
2008 has some formidable challenges in store for me. Not only will I need to continue writing and submitting, but I'll also need to concentrate on marketing and developing my brand. These are uncharted waters for me and for that reason I'm excited to see what develops.
What's on my plate for 2008?
• I'd like to complete three novels and one novella in 2008. (not so hard since one is nearly finished and the other two have been outlined.)
• Present a workshop at a conference
• Submit at least one article a month for publication.
• Continue my education by attending 3-4 classes in '08.
And my biggest challenge for 2008…
I am terribly shy. (Don't laugh! It's true.) So for 2008 I would like to be braver and comment more on people's blogs and writers' forums. If you'd like to help me out, keep commenting here and I will always answer you--and visit your blog. :o)
Now it's your turn. Tell me what your goals are for 2008. You can list them here or post your blog address in the comments area so I (and others) can go over and take a look.
What's on your plate for 2008?
Comments
But for people who are shy, the willingness to be seen, to voice perspective, can be deferred indefinitely. Yet the willingness to express perspective is key to taking risk, and hence key to producing one's best work.
I celebrate what you are doing. I think it is the harder of the two tasks.
Thanks for stopping by, Ruv. All the best to you for the new year!
Thanks for vising my blog. I hope you have a wonderful 2008 filled with blessings!
I like your resolutions. I hope your book sells lots of books so you get to write a sequel. But if not, it sounds like you have a great backup plan.
I'm fortunate that I don't work outside of the home, but I have two daughters with handicaps so that's why I struggle with the time factor when it comes to writing. I admire you for writing when you have a full-time job.
I haven't made out a list yet for my resolutions, but I'd like to get a contract for my new book and as always I need to lose weight.
Best wishes for 2008. Hugs!
I'm a really shy person, too. It took me a while to start posting to my blog and posting comments. I even had a hard time posting to my egroups and lists.
But, it was something I wanted to do, so slowly but surely, I began posting comments and blogging. Now I don't have a problem with either. I still have to push myself to reply on my lists and groups, but I'm getting better.
As for my resolutions, well, I'm still working on them. :) Actually, I do have a couple lined up.
#1-get on my treadmill daily. The dh and I are going to do it together, so it will probably work out. He's pretty good at sticking with things, and he'll make sure I do, too. As long as I have someone to do it with, I'll be fine.
#2-Start the outline for my new project. This one I just decided on, and I'm really excited about. I plan to put the outline together, etc, tomorrow (the 1st).
#3-Finish my current WIP by the end of April.
That's about it. I may come up with something else by midnight tonight, if I can get my grandchildren in bed early (I'm babysitting). :)
Hope you have a wonderful New Year!
have a good new year. My goals are simple. Sell, Neut and finish my latest WIP Gravetimes by December 4th. Should allow me plenty of time to have fun in between time, and perhaps sell a few short stories.
Mike
I went to your blog and put you on my reader. I'm looking forward to following your blog.
I hope you have a prosperous and happy 2008.
All the best!
-m