Being as it's only the second day of a new year, I am going to ramble on just a bit about goals. The start of anything is a good time to organize what you want and need for the coming period of time. I don't use the word resolutions because it doesn't work for me.
One thing I've found is goals need to be focused on what YOU control. As a writer, I can control (within reason) if I say I will write everyday--even just a single word. I can't control becoming a New York Times bestseller. When I see others listing their plans, so many are outside their control: I will be making X $ each month; I will win an award; I will get an agent. The person themselves has no control over those events. They can see what it takes to have a shot at those things, and break down those steps as a goal--but not the controlled by other's aspect.
This year I'm keeping it simple: Use my planner everyday, and complete six books. The six books is less scary in that I've got two finished but in need of serious edits, two at about the 1/4 to 1/3 mark, and two that will be brand new.
I plan on two at least being released this year, the others either will, or will wait for a bigger punch in 2020. The bit with the planner is to keep me focused ;).
So that's my plan, what's yours?
Happy IWSG Day!
Definitely good to think in terms of what you can control. I've made the same mistake: setting goals for myself that I couldn't really control. In a way, you end up giving power over your sense of self worth to others, and that's just not healthy.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good point! Never let others take control of your dreams--thanks for coming by.
DeleteI've never thought anyone could control anything but how they behaved. I'm a leaf on the wind. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
OUCH! Still too soon!! LOL- aside from bad Firefly memories, true. But some folks believe if they push hard enough, they can bend more things to their will ;).
DeleteWoot! Good luck with your goals. If your planner keeps you focused it's possible.
ReplyDelete@Emaginette, I love the quote. #Browncoats!
Thanks! That's the trick--stay on target! (and not get blown out of the sky ;))
DeleteGood luck with your goals for the year.
ReplyDeleteI find setting goals easier to deal with because you can tweak them if needed and make them more attainable if life throws a wrench at you.
Thank you! Yup- the word of the year needs to be pivot. Be prepared for change at any time.
DeleteSix books in a year? That's crazy awesome! Are they part of a series? Some authors like to write several books in a series and then release then about a month or two apart, which supposedly helps with the marketing.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in 2019!
Thanks! One ois the last in the fantasy series, one is the second steampunk, one is a NEW series (because obviously, I didn't have enough) and the other three are another new trilogy ;). The plan for that final three is a rapid release, so depending on edits of one & two and writing book three, they might get pushed to a 2020 release. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteI feel the same way about goals. Make them things you can control.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and thanks for coming by!
DeleteI'm aiming to publish two books this year and maybe finish the first draft of a third. I can't even fathom attempting six. That's amazing! I salute you and wish you all the best!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am aiming high, but reminding myself that this is my ship--if things get pushed back it will be fine.:)
DeleteGreat idea with the planner, Marie. Your goals are ambitious, and I wish you much success with them.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I also have a massive 3 X 4 dry erase calendar to put up--dates will be right in my face!
DeleteGood luck! I agree that we need to make realistic goals.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWhen it comes to getting the words down, I know what works for me... short bursts of prompt-based writing, on a regular basis. Bingo!
ReplyDeleteI think each writer should find what works well for him/her and then run with it!
Happy New Year and good luck with your goals!
Writer In Transit
Love your books just speed though all 5 if the lost ancients series and can't wait for the next one. Hopefully it will be coming out Soon.
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