(This is from my new planner–nifty, huh?)
Like just about every other writer’s blog out there, this is where I get to talk some about my 2010 writing goals.
This is mostly brainstorming, really. It’s thinking at what’s known in the GTD-world as “horizons of focus.” Specifically, the things I’d like to see for my writing future at the “30,000 foot level” (i.e. 12-14 months from now).
1
I’d like to network better. In 2009, I made some strides in connecting with other writers (online and in person) and with other artists. Playwrights, poets, filmmakers, and musicians. But I passed up a lot of opportunities, too. I was shoulder to shoulder with Joyce Carol Oates for a split second, but said nothing, not even when she was signing. Legendary comic book writers from the 70s & 80s come through this town once or twice a year. One of them even lives here, and I haven’t introduced myself to him.
The reason is my dread of the thought of being that over-eager writer who gets told by a seasoned master, “Go away kid, you bother me.” Time for me to get over that. And I’m going to at Readercon 21!
2
I need to get my lit/flash fiction back on track. This is sort of related to the networking goal. Between here and Twitter, I need to make time to get back into Fictionaut and Zoetrope. I briefly connected with some writers whose work I idolized before I focused on genre stuff, but lost touch. Plus, I learned so much there from the critiques I got from my flash pieces. I was kinda dumb to let that slip away, but you know what? My accounts are still active, and it’s never too late, right?
3
12 is the magic number. That’s one story per month, written, submitted and kept in circulation. If none of them sell by next December, fine. But they will be in circulation.
4
I need to move a bunch of back-burner non-fiction projects up to the front. I confess, stubbornness is part of what motivates this goal. I’m irked that I haven’t been able to repeat my McSweeney’s success of five years ago–though I admit, my efforts have been lackadaisical at best. But it’s not just humor I’m interested in.
I’ve mentioned my “seekrit #wip” on Twitter. It’s secret because–again, this is a pride thing related to my networking fears, I think–the whole thing could be a wash at any time, and I dread the thought of answering questions like, “Hey, what happened with that [seekrit #wip]?” with “Eh, nothing.”
Suffice it to say that it’s going to be a researched non-fiction work, and if I can pull this off, it would be quite the feather in my geek cap.
Okay, I think my brain is sufficiently dumped. Maybe today I can actually do something about some of these.
*The title’s from here, btw…
That's great that you have your goals outlined! I wish you the best of luck with all of it, and know you will be successful.
A secret nonfiction wip! Interesting!!
I wish I could be so oganized. With such a list, I do believe you will be able to conquer not only your fears, but the world at large. Best wishes for a prosperous 2010!
@Calista–The hardest part will be–is always–making it all happen. Thanks for the encouragement!
@Carol–Thank you, too! Organization can be easy once you find the right tools and processes. I could not have gotten as "far" as I have without it.
I know 2010 will be a great year for you both!
I don't really make resolutions, but these sounds like good ones for you. Wow. One a month! That's awesome :o)
Good Luck with all of those. You can do it :o) I see may feathers in your geek cap, my friend :o)
@Erica – I'm trying to work up to Ray Bradbury's standard. He writes one story per week!! One day!
2010's gonna rock for you too. I can sense it! 🙂
Great goals. I think you've conquered the first obstacle just by having a gameplan!
Thanks, Anne! Now for the next step–follow-through! 🙂
I can identify with most of your goals. I suppose I should organize my thoughts like you have and make a list. Lists are kind of cool. Networking needs to be a big one for me. I've been doing pretty well so far in the blogosphere since I've started my blog. Now I need to get some actual face time with some people who can make a difference.
Good post.
Lee
http://tossingitout.blogspot.com/
Ah. Goals. Used to be something I was good at. Those sound like good goals, albeit, ambitious (a story a month? YIKES!) But then again, I'm rather lazy when it comes to my stories. I'm on fictionaut too, and I must say I am quite the novice- I just started writing fiction not too long ago, and I find fictionaut members' critiques quite helpful. Getting back into it will help you immensely. Good luck and…you've inspired me to set writing goals as well. Cheers to 2010, a breakout year for the unseasoned!
Welcome, folks! 🙂
@arlee – "face time with some people who can make a difference" is vital. This is why I value my face-to-face critique group.
@The Amateur – Goals are important, even if you don't make them by the end of the year. It really is a lesson in the journey being more important than the destination.