New Year's Eve is fast approaching and many people are thinking about their resolutions. I don't much care for resolutions because I break them faster than I make them. I suppose I could try a little harder, but then again...nah. I mean, it's 2012. The world is going to end in, like, 11 months or something. Resolutions are pointless.
However, as a goal oriented person who thinks the world might possibly go on anyway, I will attempt to set goals for myself as a writer--even though I'm likely to break these so called writing resolutions.
1. Write every day. How many times have you heard this one? Kudos to you if you already do this! I pretty much do it too, though I often find myself taking holidays off.
2. Try a new genre. I just finished reading a steampunk novel. I don't think I can write that genre so therefore, I will attempt to create a short story within that realm. Challenge thyself to do the same!
3. Learn how to critique like a writer instead of a reader. This is a tough one. Readers and writers read differently. They critique differently, too. Readers are typically very straightforward about what they liked or didn't like, whereas, writers tend to be more technical. I need to be more technical so that I sound like I know what I'm talking about at writing meetings.
4. Self publish something. Yes. I will stop being afraid of the label and just do it already!
5. Manage my time better. No more chasing butterflies when I should be killing ants. I don't know what that means, but I do know that I need to stop goofing on the internet when I should be typing up fantastic and deeply meaningful prose.
What are your writing goals for 2012?
Best of luck to you.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy just to follow through on #1. Re #2: I don't know enough about gears and cogs and boilers to take on steampunk. Or enough about history to do historical. Etc. And #5 is already dead in the water.
My, my, my, what a positive outlook possesses me today.
Ha! Too funny Kathy!
ReplyDeleteGreat goals. They're on my list as well! I'd never heard of steampunk before. I'll have to check it out. Good luck with your goals!
ReplyDeleteGreat goals. I'd like to write every day, too, but I can't have a definite routine with an active toddler. I spent much of this year learning more about critiquing, but there's still a lot for me to learn. It's helped in making me a better writer.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Xanax and Christine,
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping a comment! Good luck to both of you in the New Year!
Self-publishing is useful on a number of levels. One learns so much about the anatomy of a book, typography, distribution... even authorship. It's looking at the industry from a different angle, so yes - it is a good experience.
ReplyDeleteIn the mid-2000s it's going to overtake traditional publishing in a serious way. It's certainly threatening to do that right now.
Couldn't agree more, Rosanne! Thanks for commenting!
ReplyDelete