Writing Life

January Goals

Posted on by Theresa

Happy New Year!

Before the new and improved goals, let’s look at how the December (a month of travel and general schedule upheaval) goals went:

  • Add another 10k to the heist novel. (I think I might have added 3k, so some, but not much)
  • Get the next chapter out to YWC for feedback.
  • Gather the feedback on IMPULSE from WF and make a plan to fix things. The group had some really good thoughts on the novel and I can see ways to make it stronger.
  • Holidailies! Daily posts on the personal blog.

So, could have been better, but it also could have been worse. You should see my running schedule if you want an example of the latter.

Anyhow, while driving to and from southern California for the third time in two months, I had a chance to think deep thoughts. Specifically, I was thinking about my agent search and whether that was the way I wanted to go. Granted, if I had agents lining up on my doorstep to sign me, I might have different thoughts. But I’m also realizing that since I tend to write things in different genres, traditional publishing might not be the best path for me.

So, long story short, I’m heading toward self-publishing. Could this be a big mistake? Sure, but at least I’m making a mistake and not just sitting around twiddling my thumbs.

So expect SHIFT HAPPENS to be out sometime this year (I think? I still have no firm grasp on the timelines). And here are the goals for January:

  • Lock in an editor for SHIFT HAPPENS (general edit)
  • Finish the rough draft of the heist novel and then go back and fix the big obvious holes.
  • Get the next chapter of IMPULSE out to YWC.
  • Start learning about marketing. (Yikes.)

It’s a new year. Time for some big things!

The big dog has his own plans for the new year, and they involve a lot of naps.
Theresa

1 Comment

  1. I’m always amazed by how much you accomplish each month. If I can remember to take the trash to the curb at least twice a month, I feel like I’ve conquered life.

    Go for self-publishing. The days of it being a step backward from getting published seem pretty well gone. Have you gone to a writers workshop where pitching to agents is part of it? No firsthand experience with either workshops or pitching but I’ve been following some authors who mention that this approach helped them in the beginning.

    Private message to Big Dog: You and I speak the same goal language!

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