Look out, 2011!

My motivation for the new year is ready to go, and so why wait? My focus starts today.
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While in years past I've "resolved" to change just one or two things, I want this year to be big. I want to be proactive in life, in making it what it should be. My goals include taking care of my body, learning how to let go of my preconceived notions and having fun, and writing significantly.`

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Last July, on a friend's birthday, I declared that I'd be agented by the time her next birthday comes along. It's bold. (At that point, I was editing my second novel.) That's what, seven months away? I'm going to shoot for it. My current WIP isn't far yet, but I want to tackle it ferociously, and finish it in record time. If I tell myself I can, then I should prove it. I want to prove to myself that I can do anything. It's part of my big 2011.

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Have you put any thought into your New Year yet?

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Photo from lifeslittlemysteries.com.

FIVE

See that word, in the picture's middle? I have it on display, just skinny wooden letters, in my living room.

FIVE

The reason is simple.

Those four letters stir thought and intention. They make me consider what I want to have accomplished in FIVE. In the next

FIVE MINUTES? To have read to my daughter(s), or cheered a friend, paid a bill, or nourished myself with a favorite snack. You get the idea.

FIVE MONTHS? I want to have grown in my writing, to be querying agents with one novel, writing on the next. No wasted time.

FIVE YEARS? Movement down the path of novel publication. I want to see it happening. No wasted time, no wasted effort, no wasted talent.

Tell me... If you sat in my brown wingback, saw that word, what would you think?

What are your FIVE?

Character, But Not the Fictional Kind

Today, New Year's Day, I'm sharing something simple. A personal goal, one that will help shape my own character through the coming months.

Every negative or judgmental thought I have, starting now, has to be countered with a positive one. This will A) help me see the good more often, and B) make me aware of my thoughts, maybe eventually weedling out most of the bad.

I'm excited to see what this does for me.


What about you? Anything you'll work on in 2010 for the benefit of your own personal character?

Words: Don't Fail Me Now

I can be talkative. I can be detailed. I can be wordy. And I'm really counting on that as I implement a new system to increase both discipline and output.

As of late last week, I'll be allowing myself internet access only after meeting a word count of 1000 words each day. No e-mail, no Facebook, no blogs. Writing first.

Thursday, my first day, had me off to a good start with 1200 words. Friday saw 1900! The weekend was a busy bust like weekends often are, but today is a new day, a new week. (I should be launching into today's production soon after this post publishes.)

I'm excited, I'm hopeful, I'm ready to get this rough draft done. By Christmas.

It can be done, I think. Because words and me? We're likethis.

***

What do your goals look like for the next little bit?

Do you have a system for your writing, and how does it break down?

Happy 2009!

Many among the blog circuit have been sharing their goals and resolutions for the new year, and I guess I'm no exception. For the last week or so, I've been thinking about those things I'd like to attain in 2009.

There are, of course, "life goals." Being a better mom, friend, person, enhancing my spiritual life and being the kind of Christian I need to be, etc. Those things are all crucial to who I am, but when the calendar flips for me, I mostly think about my writing goals.

This year I want to:

*Increase my creation and submission of flash fiction (which is defined as fiction of 1000 words or less) and non-fiction pieces.
*Publish new parenting articles at least once a month (but shoot for twice or more) on Type-A Mom.
*Pursue more publishers (or agents) with Bliss Lake. [For those new to Something She Wrote, it was recently considered and turned down by Avalon Books.]
*Continue submitting my narrative non-fiction proposal for a humorous take on motherhood.
*Complete first draft of my current WIP, working title of which is When I Turned 30.

I think that's it. Most seem, at first glance, broad and general. And yet others seem more difficult to accomplish. But if I focus on each one seriously, amazing things could happen. I'm sure of it.

Here's to 2009!


Have you had a chance to share your aspirations for the new year?

New Sidebar!

Hi, gang! Just a quick and simple post to let you know I've created a new sidebar over yonder. Thought I'd place links to some of what I've had published online, but also for samples of my fiction. The motherhood-related articles are indicative of the non-fiction writing I do, whereas the other pieces show my range in fictional voice. (You may remember the fiction posts... they were done using the prompts some of you offered.)

I've been taking it easy in regards to blogging this week, as many have, given the Christmas holiday, during which I hope you all found yourselves among loved ones, overloaded with blessings. But I'm gearing up for a full schedule. Coming this week: Posts about the writing-related stuff I got for Christmas (how fun? SO fun!), a promise I made my mom not too long ago, and my writerly goals for 2009.

Have a great weekend!

Destination

What thoughts go through your mind as you view this picture? Do you notice how the clouds stretch so far past the horizon you can't see the end of them? Is it the contrast of the open blue sky with the green cattle fields that catches your eye?

When I drove this road yesterday, and took this picture, I thought about how similar it is to my writing career...

I'm on this path, right? There's an ultimate destination, and it's beautiful I suspect, even though I can't quite see it yet.

I guess I'm headed the right direction, though I can't be sure. What if I find out I've taken a wrong turn somewhere? What if things - things I don't want a part of - await me over the crest of that hill? What if there are dips and turns or rocky patches? What if there's a road block? What if popping that hill lands me on a difficult stretch, and I struggle to navigate it?

Well, I won't know unless I drive on and find out, will I? I can't stop short of my goal just because I fear the unknown. And turning around and back-tracking isn't an option for me.

So I'll continue in my forward motion and know that even if I get waylaid ahead, it won't stop me. I'll keep going, stubbornly if I have to, and make the journey happen. I'll take it easy over the rocks or slow down around the curve - or take a detour if need be. But persistence will get me where I want to go.

I'll get there.

Do you feel the same about your destination?

Tuesday's Stuff and Things

So it's Tuesday, a typical, unremarkable weekday, and it's time once again for Stuff and Things. Can you believe it? Where do the days go?

Being part of a community of like-minded writers rocks. I love sharing my thoughts and ideas with others who understand the process and drive (and even those who aren't writers but appreciate it nonetheless), and I really enjoy the network I've been able to build. Thank you all for being a part of it.

I love beautiful, crisp fall days, when you can open the windows, air out the house, and freshen your soul. There's something nostalgic and stirring about the colors, the smell, the feel. What do you like about fall?

I bought an old quilt over the weekend, with fabulous muted colors (some so pale you have to look closely), that I'm hoping to use on my bed someday soon. The only problem is that one of the stars virtually exploded at some point in the past, and the quilt batting is visible. There are women I can ask about repairs, but I dare not wash it in my machine and damage it further. I just need to figure out what to do that's not cost prohibitive. Any ideas? I also need to lay it out in the sun to freshen it just a bit. Any other suggestions?

Just when I think my writing goals are headed one way, inspiration sends them another. When I think I can only fit so much on my plate, a spot opens up for something on the side. Do you find the same?

And God is awesome.


What's going on for you today?

***

In response to yesterday's post about the Omaha Lit Fest I attended, Joanne asked, "Can you share any specific themes/tips/advice you might have learned there?" I'll collect my thoughts and check my notes, and that shall be tomorrow's post.

A Week of Possibility

It's Monday. And that means a whole week is stretched out before me. A full week during which any number of things could happen, especially in regards to my writing. I could hear back from an agent who's interested in my novel. Likewise, my non-fiction proposal. Inspiration could take over and push my WIP to a new, unforeseen place. A new idea could foam and roil. I could make a new connection; one that will serve to encourage me, or get me to that "next level," whatever that is.

Isn't it exciting? Knowing there's so much potential? And knowing you have a hand in how it unfolds?

For writers, as with anyone else, it takes forging ahead. You have to set structured, attainable goals, and work toward them with focus and command. And that's when you succeed.

What are your goals this week? What are you working toward?


Note: Since I'm due for Tuesday's Stuff and Things tomorrow, that puts my answers to your questions Wednesday. Still some time to ask away!

Progress... In Little Steps

It occurred to me this morning, as I lay in bed trying to catch a few extra winks before jumping into my day, that a few months ago I'd set the goal to finish my WIP by Valentine's Day. Whoops. It's still not finished, but I have, at least, made decent progress.

Last week I wrote the last chapter, which I'm superbly happy with. I also wrote out "what has to happen" to reach that end, and I think the sub-plots are coming together nicely. The last few days have been spent adding to word count. And I'm learning I don't have to write the story in order. Before, I'd have never been comfortable jumping around, but somehow it appeals to me now. Because if I get the main ideas written out, I can go back and fill the spaces. There's something comforting about that.

So it seems, whereas last month my energies went to freelancing and the WIP didn't see the light of day, February has meant work on the ms and my freelancing has fallen behind. But I'm okay with this. Nothing says I have to hit it all hard, every week. I can set my pace, in whichever area, and make progress where my inspiration and work take me. Right? Will this back-and-forth between projects always be the case with me? Is this common? I guess it doesn't matter, as long as it works for me and I'm proceeding with something.

My last two goals for completion of the WIP (Christmas, then mid-Feb) haven't been met, so I hesitate to set another. BUT, I think I'd rather lay something out there to shoot for than to aim wildly at nothing. So... I'd like to think I can finish the first draft of Bliss Lake by the end of March. Let's see where that takes me.

Good luck with all your writing endeavors!

February: Here I Come!

I feel decent about what I accomplished in January. Though our family's sickliness kept me offline for much of two weeks, I was able to get quite a bit done. I checked into three freelance jobs, securing one. (Check out my articles at Type-A Mom.) Submitted 9 articles: 3 rejections, 3 published, and 3 I haven't heard on yet. I also brainstormed on my next column (due come spring) and saw the publication of installment #2. Woo hoo!

This week comes to a close just as a new month begins. I have a lot to look forward to in February with my writing (certainly not anything pertaining to Valentine's Day, my husband will likely ensure...) , and I'm excited to begin! I have some carryover goals from last month, but new ones I'm excited to pursue, as well. In the coming weeks I hope to:

*Submit proposal to another local paper about new column
*Submit entry for the Erma Bombeck writing competition (we have until the 17th!)
*Submit/query articles to mags as I'm able
*Publish several articles online with Type-A Mom
*Add to novel word count (this is my biggest individual goal for the month)
*Blog on both Something She Wrote and A Believer's Blog more regularly

Here's to a successful month for all of us!

Tweakin' The Goals

Is anyone getting tired of talk about goals yet? I'm almost wearing myself out...

The forums at AbsoluteWrite.com, which I've been a part of since September, prove to be an unending network of supportive friends and colleagues. They also serve to push me (and really, all of us collectively) to greater heights with writing. There's a particular thread that's purpose is to note monthly goals, thus holding us accountable for what we accomplish within a (roughly) thirty day time frame. Up until now I've been too intimidated (and scared) to post there, but I got a wild hair last night and set myself up for some things I want to do in January. They are:

1) Add 10k (or more) words to my WIP
2) Brainstorm an idea for my next column (it's quarterly and not due 'til March-ish)
3) Query another local paper about a column similar to the one I already write
4) Submit to at least two anthologies (ie. Chicken Soup and the like)
5) Submit to at least three magazines

Is it common for writers to have so much on their plate? I feel like maybe I'm setting myself up to do too much, but I really do want to chase after all these dreams. And there won't be any better time, right?

The Start Of A New Year, A Day Like Any Other

My day was filled with typical things: fixing meals for and playing with my girls, chores around the house, and a fabulous massage from Wentworth Miller. Well... the last may have been a mere figment of my imagination. (Ahh, Wentworth...) But as this new year began I was bustling around, doing my usual routine. Kind of a boring way to ring in 2008. 'Tis okay with me, though. Having accomplished a lot today makes me feel good about the year ahead.

And yet, there's still so much more to do on this, the first day of 2008. I've four (okay, five) loads of laundry to fold. I want to finish a little work on the WIP tonight. A hot bath beckons to me, as well as a book, a couple magazines, and a bottle of sparkling grape juice I never got to last night. And isn't there bound to be a rerun of CSI or Law & Order: SVU on tonight? Hmm, what to do? (Hubby's gone on a ski trip, the girls are in bed early, and I just can't choose what to do with the time to myself!)

High on my list of goals for '08 is keeping my priorities straight. I've posted before about finding balance in life, with my writing, my family/our home, and my own needs. I feel like I've gotten a good handle on it, and I hope I can keep it up. My days go so much better when I put equal amounts of time into each of these things; I feel so hopeless and lazy if I don't do a lick of housework or writing, but if I can somehow squeeze both in I feel like the Queen of the World. (Or at least Queen of the Lake.) And I'm bound to be more patient and have more energy for the things my family and household require if I've sneaked (come on, you know that's proper usage of the word) a few minutes to myself. (I'm only locking myself in the Peace and Quiet closet for half an hour a day, really...) Balance - when found - is the best thing for a mom. Or woman. Or moman.

Of course, I want to freelance at a higher level than I have before. And I'll be dadgum if I don't finish my WIP through the course of the year (hopefully sooner rather than later). I plan to seek representation, too.

Should be a fantastic year! I can't wait to see what it brings. May you all be successful and prosperous.

My 2008 Goals... And Anthology Guidelines

I've decided to work toward a higher number of submissions (and hopefully publications) in the coming year. The exciting part is that not only will it continue to build my resume, it'll - potentially - pay well! I know it can be done, and this is my year to try it for myself. Magazine articles/essays are good possibilities, but I'm also really intrigued by anthologies, like Chicken Soup for the Soul.

And yippee! I've gotten a headstart. Last week I submitted pieces to both a Chicken Soup title and a newer anthology called True Real Estate Stories. Yesterday I sent off a first-person narrative to Guideposts, which, if bought, would be my first national publication. How cool would that be?! I've one more essay sub due to Chicken Soup at the end of this month, another later in the new year, and have been directed to a few websites that give submission guidelines for other anthologies. For anyone interested, they are:

Anthologies Online

Del.icio.us/Anthologies

Common Ties

Work on my novel has seriously slowed down; I haven't looked at it in at least a few weeks. Part of me is disappointed, but I was needing a long break from it. And I'm not ready to force myself with it just yet. I did come up with the concept for another novel (and Hubby likes it much better than my current WIP)... I may decide to start some work on it.

The good news is, I have 12 whole months (and beyond) ahead of me. What I can accomplish in that amount of time is up to me, and I'm excited to see what I can do.

I hope everyone has a great Christmas! May you be blessed in the new year.
Janna