Last month (December 2011) I had a profound experience (in part due to one of my amazing crit partners) that I will not go into. BUT the result is that I KNOW I am supposed to be writing, and so now feel doubly motivated and excited for what 2012 will bring.
1) Read 50 books this year.
I've never kept track of how many books I've read before. I couldn't stick with the Goodreads thing, and I've been known to read 4-5 books in a week, and then 1 book over 6 weeks. So...we'll see how this goes. I decided reading one book a week should be challenging yet reasonable for my busy schedule. And then I gave myself 2 weeks off for emergency life purposes. :)
2) Query 2 books.
This is an example of something I can control. I'd love to type "sign with an agent", but we all know how that could go no matter how amazing our writing is. I would be very happy with "get a few partial requests" on the first query, then "get a few full requests" on the second, but again, we shall see. Why 2 books? Because I'm querying my first this month and have two other books in revisions right now, so really this is a goal to whip one of those into show-the-world shape.
3) Draft 1 book.
I've got one idea knocking on my brain (among the bazillion others floating around in there) begging to be written. Hopefully I'll get to it this year. At the very least, it can end up being my nano.
4) Study/read writing craft book 1 hr. a week.
I'm humble enough to know I have a lot to learn about writing (and always will), but besides writers conferences and blog reading, I've yet to actually delve into serious learning. I plan on treating this like a course, where I'll read/study for an hour, and then apply what I've learned in the next week's writing.
And there you have it. Reasonable goals, yet solid and proud-worthy, I think.
A few of my non-writing goals this year include running every day, drinking less soda, being more positive, cherishing the time I have with my kids, sticking to a budget, and bulk cooking (cook extra food for dinner and freeze some for a quick meal another night).
What are your goals this year?
6 comments:
These sounds like wonderful goals Ilima!
Can't wait for the 'I got an agent' announcement for your, 'I seriously couldn't put it down' story! :)
I love all your goals. I will join you on some of them. The writing ones. Although bulk cooking seems like a brilliant idea!
Turning over a new leaf for the new year and de-lurking on a few blogs. Yes, I still read yours, and it's so fun to read about your progress! Congratulations on NaNo and good luck with your goals!
Kelley-Thanks. I hope this year is a great one for you too!
Emily-Just remember bulk cooking doesn't involve bulk eating. :)
Jer-So glad you commented. Nice to hear from you and good luck on your blogging and writing this year!
Ilima--A few days ago your critique partner Kelley asked me if I know you. And I said "Heck YES!" Do you remember me from when Parker did Seussical with my boys? Angie Cothran? I was over the costumes:)
I had no idea you were an author! How cool is that! Two aspiring authors, same town, small world!
Great goals, Ilima...ones that will push you and are still reasonable at the same time. I also want to share your writing goals with you, but ONLY if you tell me all the brilliant things you learn along the way (haha...you at least can try, right?).
I have a feeling AWESOME things are headed your way in 2012!
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