Wednesday, January 2, 2019

#IWSG- A new start!

Welcome to another adventure in the Insecure Writer's Support Group-- Join us!





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!

20 comments:

  1. 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.

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    1. That's a very good point! Never let others take control of your dreams--thanks for coming by.

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  2. I've never thought anyone could control anything but how they behaved. I'm a leaf on the wind. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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    1. 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 ;).

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  3. Woot! Good luck with your goals. If your planner keeps you focused it's possible.

    @Emaginette, I love the quote. #Browncoats!

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    1. Thanks! That's the trick--stay on target! (and not get blown out of the sky ;))

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  4. Good luck with your goals for the year.
    I 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.

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    1. Thank you! Yup- the word of the year needs to be pivot. Be prepared for change at any time.

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  5. Six 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.

    Good luck in 2019!

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    1. 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!

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  6. I feel the same way about goals. Make them things you can control.

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  7. I'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!

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    1. Thank you! I am aiming high, but reminding myself that this is my ship--if things get pushed back it will be fine.:)

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  8. Great idea with the planner, Marie. Your goals are ambitious, and I wish you much success with them.

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    1. Thank you! I also have a massive 3 X 4 dry erase calendar to put up--dates will be right in my face!

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  9. Good luck! I agree that we need to make realistic goals.

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  10. When it comes to getting the words down, I know what works for me... short bursts of prompt-based writing, on a regular basis. Bingo!
    I 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

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  11. 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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