This was a rough year for my writing. I’m determined to make Writing Year 2011 (WY11) more productive. As I said in my last post, I feel different, and I’m ready to get some big work done on my writing projects. To support that, I’m posting my WY11 goals here (in no particular order.)
-Secret Project
-
-phase 1 – February 1 COMPLETE
-phase 2 – April 1 COMPLETE
-phase 3 – May 1 COMPLETE
-Finish editing Divided – July 1
-Perfect query letter for Divided – July 31
-Query 30 agents – November 30 (ongoing throughout the year)
-Edit short story I removed this goal from the list as it is not one of the most important things, and I have enough to keep me busy.
-Complete “How to Think Sideways” – July 31
-Work through Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” – October 1 I removed this from the list as it’s already mid-April, and I haven’t started. I don’t want to stress myself out the rest of this year, so this can wait.
-Finish writing Ravaged – September 1
-Create a loose outline for Deceived – October 1
-Write pep talks for NaNoWriMo (ideally this will be done before October, since October will be busy with wedding stuff.) – October 1 (this goal is to help my co-ML, so if I don’t get this done, it won’t be the end of the world, but I’m going to try very very hard to write some pep talks to help her out.)
-Win NaNoWriMo – November 30 COMPLETE
-Complete Holly Lisle Plot Mini Course – I have not set a date for this, as this is one goal I’m willing to let slide if I find I don’t have the time for it this year. I want very much to do this, and will try very hard to complete it (it’s a 7 week course), but if not, I will accept it. I’m going to accept up front that I won’t get to this in 2011.
Is this an ambitious list? You bet. But I feel it’s doable.
Oh, and why do I say Writing Year 2011, and not just 2011? (for those who missed my last post.) I realized the other day that Dec. 1 feels like the start of a new writing year for me, being the end of NaNoWriMo and all. So from here on out my writing year will run from Dec. 1 – Nov. 30 of each year.
Ardee-ann Said:
on December 4, 2010 at 2:24 PM
Jen, your goals do sound ambitious especially with planning a wedding but if YOU think they are doable that is all that matters. I like you comment about your year running from December 1st to November 30th. I kind of think mine does too but I didn’t realize it until I read your words.
Best of Everything,
Ardee-ann
Jen Said:
on December 5, 2010 at 11:25 AM
I always try to make my goals a bit ambitious, but realistic too. I think outlining “Deceived” will kind of go along with the How to Think Sideways class. I may have to axe the query letter goals, because I remembered one more writing goal I have that is in relation to the wedding, so it HAS to be done before October. And the queries are the only goals I can even remotely tolerate taking off. But I’m still going to try to get it all done, even with the additional goal not already on the list.
dalerobertweese Said:
on December 4, 2010 at 4:47 PM
Your list inspires me to make one of my own, and I thank you for that. My first few include starting a website/blog,\ (done, but needs work), becoming proficient with Scrivener, and edit / rewrite my most recent Nano novel. I have recently become interested in writing fantasy again, but I will be happier in the long run if I do not let that distract me from finishing the book at hand.
Jen Said:
on December 5, 2010 at 11:27 AM
Yes, I too would like to learn some of the more intricate details of Scrivener. Even though I’ve been using it for 3 years now, I know there is a lot I haven’t explored yet. And I still need to get version 2.0.
Chris Kelworth Said:
on December 6, 2010 at 8:34 PM
Good luck with your ‘Year of writing 2011′ goals, and everything else you have going on. I’m a big supporter of writers keeping each other motivated and accountable for their goals, so do you want me to check in a few months into the year to find out how you’re doing?
Jen Said:
on December 6, 2010 at 9:05 PM
Chris, that would be great! I’ll be posting regular updates on my progress here. I checked out your blog too, and wow! Thanks so much for the post about me. That really made my night. Very awesome.
I’ve added your blog to my GoogleReader so I can keep up with you too. I hope you get into your writing program…I definitely want to hear about it.