At the beginning of this year, I set goals for myself. Achievable goals, such as writing a bunch of publishable stories and books, making more time for myself and my family, travel a little more, relax a little more, live life a little more. Not too shabby, eh?
Ha!
Looking back, I wonder if time is set against me this year, lol! I swear I’ve never had more difficulty trying to achieve my goals as I have this year. Last year, I completed four full length novels (over 100k each) and was over half way through the 5thby midnight, NYE. It seemed I spent more time with my family, doing fun and exciting things. Heck, we hit Disney World several times-I have a severe weakness for the Food and Wine (wine, wine, wine) Festival =D. Although we didn’t travel, we did more things around the area.
So far this year, I’ve completed one, yes uno, story. A short story. I have six pieces in the mix as we speak, non of which are done. I seem to be working far more now than I had last year, and not in regards to writing. My son begs me to stay home and do fun, special things with him, and that seems to be increasing daily. We have travel plans, but my first trip this year consisted of a single full day in Indianapolis with two days of traveling to and from. I am seriously looking forward to the cruise we have planned the end of this year.
Now, looking at the jumbled mess that was supposed to be a strategic plan to attack this year, I had to ask myself one important question: What do I want to accomplish by the end of this year?
Simple, really. I want to have a polished manuscript in to an agent and possibly accepted. Furthermore, I want to see that manuscript in a NY editor’s hand. I think it’s what all writers want. Now, how do I go about doing this?
Well, after switching between a novella and a few other novels, I was smacked in the brain with an incredible idea for an entirely new book. (I am forever grateful for an overactive muse, even if it causes some, uh, confusion 
) In a matter of a month, I literally purged over fifty thousand words into this story, and I absolutely love it. Whether or not others feel the same remains to be seen, until I submit it, lol!
I learned one important lesson in this time. I’ve been so concerned with putting out new material that I’ve been writing to write, and not writing for the love of telling a story. Many writers, and any hobbyist who turns what they love into a source of income or a career, can probably relate to this transition. When what you love becomes your job, many fear they will not love it as much. I definitely beg to differ, since I still love writing with all the passion I can muster. There are different mind frames, though. I learned to separate myself from tracking my sales, concerning myself about ranking, all those little branches that takes time away from writing and can really affect performance if something takes a turn for the, well, not so good. I’m very pleased with all the wonderful reviews I’ve received for all of my work. It reminds me daily that I can produce a story that can be enjoyed by readers world wide. I can’t let my sales, my rank, press me to finish something for the sake of finishing it.
I want to produce quality stories each time, and if it takes a little longer to do it, I’ll be happy knowing I didn’t settle for anything less than what I believe is enjoyable. After all, my readers dictate my success, and for them, I am forever grateful! I do have completely manuscripts I’ve been sitting on, two of which were completely last year. I’m just making sure they’re what my readers would love to pick up and lose themselves in.
As far as my goals, I think I can still achieve most of them. My family will always come first. My writing is a very close, on-the-heels, second. So, between soccer practices, football practices, games, meetings, work both day and night, writing, traveling and all the other goodies I pack into my days, I will get my novels and novellas done. I will be happy with what I turn in, knowing it’s something that came from my heart, and not just from my fingers. And, I will strive for that NY contract that I dream about nightly.
Remember, don’t be afraid to dream because they come true every day!
Hugs!
Kara