Not this year. I have a lot to accomplish.
Here's how I plan to get in the 'write' mindset for 2013. Trust me, it's not rocket science!
- Goals. Generally, I'm a planner, but in the past, I think one of my motivation problems stemmed from my goals. Most of them were long-term, and sometimes, those far-off hopefuls don't come to fruition, squelching motivation. What have I changed for 2013? I'm setting weekly, monthly, and long-term goals for my writing career. A couple publications have been on my "must be published in" list for over a year. I intend to crack those markets this year.
- Mindset. Now, I know I have my groove back. I know what I want to accomplish. I know what it will take to get from point A to point B. It's called determination.
- Query. For years, I tried to send out six new queries a month. But, somewhere along the way, I stopped submitting ideas to new markets (but kept writing for the markets I write for consistently). I'm going back to the six a month query theory.
- Read. Good writers are good readers. Lately, I haven't read as much as usual, but I intend to change that. In fact, I did today. :)
- Write. You can call yourself a writer, but unless you actually put words on paper (or computer screen) and generate material - whether for a publication or just for yourself - you're spinning your wheels. Get out of that rut and start writing!
How do you plan to meet your 2013 goals? Share your ideas with us.
by LuAnn Schindler
Writing queries to new markets is also one of my goals. I got stuck on a few projects, I really believed in and thought were marketable, that well, weren't selling. Time to take them off the list and move on to new ideas.
ReplyDeleteI love new years and the kick-start in my attitude the provide.
Besides what I shared on Monday, I also hope to ask myself before I say YES or spend time reading guidelines and so on--ask myself: IF I submit here or take on this project, am I reaching my writing goals? I have a tendency to be all over the place and wanting to try everything, but I don't have the time. I spread myself too thin. Here's to 2013!
ReplyDeleteI really agree with Margo's point about spreading one's self too thin. I tend to be "all over the place" as well a lot of the time. I started something for NaNo 2012 that I'd like to continue working on/finish the first draft. I have a picture book manuscript I'd like to find a home for. Other than those two goals, and writing submissions for Chicken Soup books and Not Your Mother's Books...I'm sure I'll have loads of free time to sit back and gobble up bon bons. ;)
ReplyDeleteI love reading about people's goals and resoltions. It gives me ideas and is so motivating. I have no doubt that you'll make yours happen, LuAnn!
ReplyDeleteAs a recovering perfectionist, I don't make New Year's resolutions. Instead, I make revisions.See my blog post. http://wp.me/p1g33i-6z).
ReplyDeleteGoals sound better than resolutions. Keep the goals on your desktop so you can see them each day. Check in on the first of every month to see how you are doing.
Happy New Year!