For me, 2014 is going to be quite busy in the writing department. I’ve had to reevaluate my time in how I was going to build my writing portfolio this year and it can be summed up in one word: focused. Focused because like the vast majority of writers, I have a day job. I have a family. I have other obligations. Writing is a passion and compulsion. That is beyond a doubt. It must be done. But things have to be kept in perspective and given priority levels. to the things we want to give priority.
Why am I telling you this and why should you care? Bear with me a little longer and I’ll explain.
In 2014, one of my goals is to continue writing and releasing free short stories. One every month. Another goal is to write and release my first novel. In addition, I’m going to be writing more here at the website, another goal. The reason is simple: I have a lot to say. I also have the small goal of reaching 100 followers by the end of April. I have 93 now so go spread the word.
I’m dedicating myself to writing more at my website this year. My goal is at least two posts a week (remember, responsibilities). It’s not just a promo machine like for some people which is just annoying. I’m not going to hit you up every five seconds and ask you to buy or download my book. Yes, there’s a time and place for that and my website is most definitely the place (or one of them) but my goal is that you, my three readers, would be a part of what I’m doing here. In creating a universe.
How exactly will that work? I’m going to be looking to you to help build this universe. I’m going to be leaning on you for input so that this is not a world you are simply thrown into but a world you have a small part in helping bring to life. Of course, I’m going to be doing all of the heavy lifting, but you will be able to help with supporting characters, locations, and objects. There may even be an opportunity that you will show up in the universe. This is the plan. That means you have to come back often to see what’s going on. You have to comment or, in the very least, follow me on Google+ so that you know when I post something so you can be involved.
So what are your goals? Wait…you mean to tell me you have no goals for this year? Well…not all of you are in that boat. Good. Have you written them down? Do you look at them frequently? If your answer is “No” for all of those, make it a goal to stop reading about goals, start setting them, and start meeting them.
My goals for 2014 are to finish and publish my 2013 NaNo novel in April or May (more realistically, May or June, because I’m dependent on getting my work back from beta readers and proofreader) and to finish and publish another novel I have previously been working on by the end of the year. Plus another NaNoWriMo in November.
Curious: how to do you break up that goal into quantifiable parts? I tend to set measured goals like three pages a day or monthly like one short story per month. Not everyone works that way but it tends to slice through the vagueness of meeting those goals.
Nice post! I couldn’t work without goals. I write between four and six books a year, usually mysteries. I have goals on paper and on my calendar. I keep track of words each session. I think it’s important to know where you’re going!
Whoa. Four to six books? That is pounding them out at a furious pace. I’m assuming these are full lengths. That is…wow. My goal is to get out two this year and three every successive year. I’m with you. You have to know where you’re going in order to get there. No one goes on a road trip across country without a map, that is if they have any sense. I try and look at my goals several times a week. Keeps me on track. Not just for writing but the important things I want to focus on.
Good topic. I reward myself for finishing a draft or publishing with a little gift or a short trip or some form of “carrot” to go with my inner “stick.”