It doesn’t much matter which way you go, if you don’t know where you’re going…
Looking ahead to 2013, I’m trying to focus my annual goals
to help me reach my career goal. I want to be writing full time in five years
(four now.) Will I reach my destination? I don’t know, but I know I have to
try. And it’s in the act of trying, of
reaching, that we learn about ourselves and our craft.
So what are my goals? I still have a few I’m working on, but
here’s what I got so far.
1-
Develop a speaking portfolio including a
catalogue of workshops and speaking credits to build my resume.
2-
Write and submit 12 shorts, focusing on Women’s
World.
3-
Write at least three full length manuscripts
4-
Prepare my cozy mystery for submission to agents
and editors
5-
Network with other writers by attending my
chapter meetings, critique group, and local and National conferences.
Why these five? I
believe I become a better writer by writing.
So the more I write, the stronger my craft builds. As an old social service trainer, I love working
with people and stepping up to present writing and craft material to learn more
by teaching as well as get my name out in writing circles. I hope to land an agent with my new mystery,
so I’m focusing on polishing and submitting the cozy to agents I could work
with and learn from. And finally, by keeping my professional organizations and
attending professional conferences, I learn more about me, my craft, and
networking.
You notice I don’t have sell a book. Or even sell three short stories. It’s not that I don’t want to do these
things, but those dreams are out of my reach. I can’t assure that an editor will love my
work. All I can do is make sure it’s
clean, well-reasoned, and the best work I can produce. Then it’s on my shoulders to submit. After that, the process is out of my hands
and into others.
So, new kids? What are your goals for 2013? Share one with
me in the comments below.
5 comments:
Sheesh, Lynn. When will you sleep and eat? Go girl!
-R.T. Wolfe
I want to be better disciplined with my time!
You're absolutely right. Once we write the story, we have no control over agents/editors and publication offers. So, we might as well just keep writing!
Hi, Lynn.
I have a similar list, although not so many mss. I have carpal, and it slowed my writing considerably.
RT - I don't give up sleeping for anyone. LOL
Laura - I feel your pain, especially this month, time just slips away...
Claudia, it makes me so mad when people goal with things out of their control. I can only do what I can do.
D'Ann - Sorry about your carpel... I know when we're not feeling good, it affects the mojo.
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