Along with the rest of the world, I am attempting to get back in the groove with work, life, and my writing. Work and life are judiciously in check; however the writing has been somewhat sporadic, even lethargic. But that’s all about to change.
We, Restless Writers, begin our regular meeting schedule once again next week (Squeee!). This means dates and deadlines—and of course, a little vino. It also means GOAL-SETTING. September is the perfect time to put the goods on the table, so-to-speak. And I’m not talkin’ butter tarts here (although, I’m sure that will happen too); I’m talking about realistic and achievable goals. You know the kind. The SMART ones. With details. And dates.
One of the most important things writers can do is set clear, explicit goals about what they want to accomplish. Most of us have a bunch of vague goals, like the “one day” kind (as in, “one day, I’m going to write a novel), and then there’s the “some day” kind (as in, some day, I’m going to finish my book and find an agent). Make that day, today. Don’t be a chug-meister. Set a clear goal and get ‘er done.
It’s time to spend some quality time with words. Be an active practitioner of your craft. Commit to improving your art. According to Dustin Wax, an author’s relationship with a work in progress is a lot like your relationship with your significant other. You have to work at it every day, and nurture it, and accept its quirks and even failures. And if you lack real commitment, sooner or later, one or the other of you will flake out.
Sure, you gotta start small. Have some fun with it. But don’t expect the unexpected or worse, confuse your goals and expectations (and end up disappointed). Planning and patience are crucial to your success. Some brilliant advice from Write for Your Life, Iain Broome: Aim high. Expect nothing.
My September Writing Goals:
- Attend (schmooze) Surrey International Writers’ Conference, Oct 22-24.
- Polish my LITTLE EARTHLINGS non-fiction proposal, craft query, & send the baby out by Sept 30.
- Send 3-5 queries to agents (per week) for my MG novel: BILLIE BOOTS, til Dec 31.
- Give my YA novel (LIGHTS) some lovin’ — review outline, write 1 chapter per week, beginning Oct 15.
- Select 2 Screenplay Competitions for my family drama: FROM NEBULA TO HERE.
- Ressurect thriller project (or at least determine its future!)
I am WRITER. See me WRITE!
Beckie
Andrea
bjas
Sharon
Maria
Restless Writers 
That’s an impressive list. Most days my goal is to get out of bed, teach 90-some teens without losing it, and parenting 6yo twins without losing it yet again. I have trouble with writing goals. It’s a bit how I exercise: sporadic, but I feel much better when I do it.
I love how you write in many genres.
See you in Surrey!
Thanks for the comment! Yeah… my list may be a bit ambitious, but I gotta start that way. Yikes. Your hands are certainly full! Excellent, yay Surrey, how fun — see ya there!
Thanks for the link and kind words!
Planning and patience are indeed crucial. Especially patience.
Writers, quite understandably, give up when the going gets tough. They expect things to happen quickly and they never do.
But things can happen if you’re prepared to stay confident and stick to the task!
Iain, thanks so much for the comment. Yes, repeat, repeat! Stick to task! Love your site & newsletter. It’s always full of insightful writing goodies and inspiration. Thanks for visiting the Restless Writers.
My goal is to get out the front door by 8am without shmutz on my clothes…howz that for a start?
You go girl!
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