Only four days until 2009 is gone and 2010 is here. It's been a crazy year and I won't go into details but I'm glad to see it gone. The other day I stumbled across my 2008 writing goals. I didn't remember writing them down but there they were. I looked them over and realized that I did meet each one. Go me! :) Then wondered why I didn't have any 2009 writing goals. When I remembered that, with the downturn in the economy and publishers "griding their loins" (lol), I didn't make any goals and thought I'd wait to see what opportunities opened up. As it turns out I wrote two novels and completely rewrote a third in 2009. (No, I haven't sold them yet-see comment above about publishers. ) I managed to blog on my website nearly every day and keep this Sunday blog filled with writing advice and reviews. I also had a book released and did my first mini blog tour. Mr. Charming spent four weeks on the Wild Rose Press bestseller list. I added Twitter to my social networking/promo. I made bookmarks, book plates and eyemasks as giveaways. I judged several RWA chapter contests and I've set up a second mini blog tour for my next release Dream Man.Plus, I started a Master's program in Writing Popular fiction. Wow- perhaps I should have goals in 2010 so I don't work so much. lol.
There were many writing disappointments in 2009. A lot of "close but sorry I must turn you away" notes from editors and agents. It is rough out there and yet, I managed to celebrate at least four friends who sold books in this tough, tough market. Giving truth to the thought that dreams can still come true when it feels as if all is lost. As writers, our job is to write and to rewrite, to polish and to query. To educate ourselves on craft and market and not be tugged into a swindle (such as vanity publishing.)
So when you sit down to look at the new year and resolutions and goals, focus on the things you can control. Create realistic goals for yourself and your dreams. Create goals that when reached will improve your life-not detract from it. Be open to opportunities and wary of to-good-to-be-true schemes. Make it your goal to relax-to breathe-to smile- to hug a family member or friend or pet. To let yourself off the hook when things go bad or don't go anywhere and to celebrate your accomplishments big and small.
I wish for you joy, good health, and a wealth of happiness in 2010. Happy New Year!!
12 comments:
Due tot he economy, I missed a lot of goals for 2009. Need to set new ones for next year, as it's looking pretty sorry at the moment as well.
*hugs* on that, Diane. I understand and am saying a prayer that 2010 is a better year.
What a great post! Congrats on the bestseller list! How awesome. :-) And for writing so many books.
I hope 2010 goes wonderfully for you!
Hi Jessica,
Thanks. I'm wishing the best for you in 2010 as well. Cheers!
Thanks for the reminder about goals, Nancy. Even with everything that's going wrong with the world today, it's still good to have goals. *waves*
Hi Pamala, *waves back* :) I know you have a busy goal set this year running Spring Fling. Thank you for that! and good job!!
Nancy, thanks for your lovely post and for a year of getting to know you better :). I wish you the fulfillment of every goal you set in 2010 and am, for myself, just trying to make goals for the things I know I can control. The decisions made by publishers I know I can't control (unfortunately! the world would be such a delightful place, IMO, if I could--LOL :), but I can sit down and write every day. And I can do my best with these manuscripts...however disastrous the current one may seem. Sigh.
Happy New Year!
What a lot you accomplished this year, even with the disappointments. Way to go! May 2010 be a better year for all writers everywhere!
Hi Marilyn, lol- every manuscript I write starts off well- then around chapter 5, I think it's going badly and who would want to read it-sigh. I get bored and think I'm crazy to even think I could write but I push through. And things get better until chapter 15 or so- then I go through the same thing all over again. :) Once the first draft is done and I reread, I wonder why I thought what I did. lol. Still think it every time. It's part of my process.
Hi Jane- Thank you! Good luck in 2010. cheers~
I usually don't make a list of goals (I think I'm afraid of not achieving them), but you've inspired me to make a list for 2010!
Hi Anita, thanks. May your goals better your life in little ways and bring you happiness in 2010. :)
Yes, thanks for the reminder about setting goals. I've set a daily schedule for myself, but no long term goals. It's important so I'll do it.
Good luck to all of us in 2010!
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