2013 Goals: May Status Report

The craziness of the final three weeks of the school year definitely dug into my writing time, but I still managed to make some headway on my goals for 2013. As I move closer and closer to the halfway point of the year, the more I’m realizing some of my goals need to be reconsidered. I did not expect Novel #2 to maintain it’s iron grip on my muse, but here we are at the end of May and it still has a solid hold on my focus.

1) Complete final draft of Novel #2.

Uploading my novel onto my Kindle Fire has proven to be a fantastic strategy for working on clean-up edits. I read through the draft one chapter at a time, highlight all the problems, and make notations on the changes that need to happen. The pseudo-ebook format allows me to see mistakes that otherwise get past my radar while reading the draft on Word.

As of today, I have completed clean-up edits on seven chapters. Twenty-two more to go! I’ll be on a plane later this week and I plan on using the air time to get through at least three more chapters. By the end of June, I’m hoping to be at the halfway point (Chapter 15).

In addition to clean-up edits, my beta reader sent me notes on the last set of chapters she read and she is LOVING the characters and story. Her positive feedback is highly encouraging and I’ve got my fingers crossed the last batch of chapters will keep her on the edge of her seat!

2) Work on converting Novel #1 into first person.

Still on the shelf (and that’s okay).

3) Submit 5 pieces of writing.

This is one of the goals that has me thinking twice. With all my focus on Novel #2, my muse hasn’t been too inspired to work on anything else. Whenever I do sit down with the intention to think beyond Novel #2, my muse starts brainstorming ideas for the sequel to Novel #2, (I am so excited about the story that is starting to take shape!). For the month of June, I’m shelving this goal unless inspiration strikes.

4) Submit three query letters for Novel #2

I reached my May mini-goal of rewriting my query letter. The format I was using before never really felt right, so I started digging around the blogosphere for advice regarding query letters. Then, I came across a post on blog I’ve been following for a while: Amy M. Newman. She posted the actual query letter that got her an agent, (See The Actual Query that Landed Me My Agent). The format is entirely different from anything else I’ve seen, but I loved how the letter felt authentic and human as opposed to a forced sales pitch. I crafted my query letter with the same idea in mind, but in a way that fits my personality. For the first time ever, I am happy with my query letter! Many thanks to Amy M. Newman for sharing her strategy.

In addition to revising my query letter, I am in the midst of working on a chapter outline that will help me craft a synopsis. Hopefully, all those book reviews I’ve been writing will come in handy when I try to write a one page summary of Novel #2.

5) Continue building author platform

During the month of May, I was much more visible on Facebook and Twitter, which really helped boost my followers on both networks. Many thanks to the World Literary Cafe community for visiting my Facebook page and sharing the love!

My Facebook Page has grown from  284 to 301

On Twitter, my followers have grown from 528 to 534

Thanks so much to all my followers. Your support and encouragement means so much!

In addition, my blog has received a number of new followers over the last couple of weeks. Thank you so much to all my followers, old and new alike. All of you make this journey worthwhile.

6)  Read three books on the writing/publishing process.

Veronica Roth’s Divergent series currently has me reading late into the night, along with Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs series. Perhaps, after Sylvia Day’s Entwined With You, I’ll pick up a book on writing/publishing.

7) Inspire others to keep writing.

As always, I can only hope I am a positive presence!

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How are you doing on your 2013 goals?

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c.b.w. 2013

2013 Writing Goals

After much contemplation, I’ve finally arrived at a list of writing goals for 2013.  The goals I’ve set are designed to push me out of my comfort zone, while also challenging me to go a little further than I did last year. Within each goal, I’ve set smaller sub-goals to help me stay on track.

1) Complete final draft of Novel #2.

Novel #2 turned into my passion project in 2012 and my muse is showing no signs of changing that focus. As a result, this project will have priority status in 2013.

Sub-goals:

• Complete revisions/editing
• Track progress via word count bar graph
• Send second draft to two beta readers
• Polish final draft

2) Work on converting Novel #1 into first person.

This project has had its fair share ups and downs, but I’m not giving up on it just yet. I’ve decided to go forward with the first person conversion process with the added long-term goal of considering the possibility of e-publishing.

Sub-goals:

• Convert at least half of the manuscript.
• Track progress via word count bar graph
• Research e-publishing possibilities.

3) Submit 5 pieces of writing.

Another year means another challenge of submitting my work to journals, magazines, and contests. However, this year, I’m going to try and add a bonus challenge of submitting specific kinds of work to give my writing muscle a good stretch.

Submission sub-goals:

• One series or piece of poetry
• One short story
• One non-fiction piece
• One item that is out of my element (something I normally wouldn’t write)

4) Submit three query letters for Novel #2

After last year’s learning curve, I’m bringing this goal back on a more limited scale. Hopefully, the creation of sub-goals will help keep me on track so I can have a little more success with the query letter process. Of course, all of this depends on staying true to Goal #1.

Sub-goals:

• Finish revising current letter
• Send final query draft to two beta readers
• Polish final draft
• Research agents and submit

5) Continue building author platform

Once again, I’ll be working hard to maintain and continue building my author platform. 2012 was a fantastic year of establishing a social media presence and finding a voice in the blogosphere. I’m looking to create more growth on Facebook and Twitter, while also expanding my presence on World Literary Cafe and Goodreads.

Sub-goals:

• Increase followers on Facebook and Twitter, while also interacting with other people.
• Increase participation on World Literary Cafe
• Create Goodreads author page
• Join at least one new network (for writers or readers)
• Keep up with blog and upgrade by purchasing my own domain

6)  Read three books on the writing/publishing process.

This is an area where I definitely need to improve. I tend to get lost in fiction more than I should, so its time to pull a non-fiction book or two off my shelf. If I’m going to jump into the query letter/agent game, I should probably know a little more about what I’m up against.

Sub-goals:

• One book about the writing process
• One book about editing/revising
• One book about the publishing process

7) Inspire others to keep writing.

I made the same goal last year and I enjoyed it so much, I’m bringing it back for 2013. Hopefully, through my blog and life in general, I will continue to be a positive presence to those around me.

Sub-goals:

• Share my experiences whether a success or epic failure. Either way there is something positive to consider
• Write posts that showcase and inspire creativity
• Write posts that that share little pieces of wisdom as I come across them

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What are your goals this year?

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c.b.w. 2013

October Status Report: 2012 Goals

After the insanity of September, I’m very surprised to report that October was just as crazy. It turns out a hardcore writing schedule is harder to switch off than I thought. Rather than sit back enjoy the victory of completing the first draft of Novel #2, I found myself with an incredible urge to keep working. I jumped right into revisions and my muse is showing no signs of slowing down.

While I love the constant inspiration currently flooding my imagination, some of my other goals have once again taken a back seat. This year has a been characterized by an interesting learning curve as I have come to accept the fact that creativity doesn’t always like to stay in the boundaries of organization. The color-coding, to-do list part of my brain has actually lightened up a little bit, so it’s not bothering me as much that I can’t cross everything off my 2012 goals this month. Instead, I find solace in focusing on what I got done!

1) Submit five pieces of writing to contests, journals, literary magazines, or the newspaper.

I didn’t submit anything, but I am working on a story I started in London. It’s something I hope to submit at some point and it’s a nice little project to have on the side for when I get stuck revising Novel #2.

2) Finish minor changes in my first novel.

Novel #2 is keeping its hold on my focus. I haven’t touched my first novel in two months and I don’t suspect I will be for a while. Both the story and characters are silent in my head because they are being drowned out by everything in Novel #2. It’s hard to work on a large project like this when my muse wants nothing to do with it at the moment. So, on the shelf it remains.

Starting word count:  7,975
Ending word count: 7,975
Total word count: 0

3) Work on my second novel. Revise Novel #2.

Much like last month, I can’t stop thinking about Novel #2. After completing the first draft – Yay! – I went back to page one and started revising. This is weird for me because usually I like to let a project sit for a while before returning to it for revisions. Not this time. All I wanted to do was be in the story again and listen to my characters.  I’ve never experienced a pull like that after finishing a writing project, which is why I decided to listen to my tagline and follow my muse. She seems to know where we’re going and who am I to question her?

Starting revised word count: 0
Ending revised word count: 10,865
Total revised word count: 10,865

See NaNoWriMo (Revised) for the goals I’ve set for November on this project. It’s insane, but I’m up for the challenge.

4) Send out five query letters and be ready with a synopsis.

My query letter for Novel #2 has gone through three more revisions. My goal for November is to have it ready to send off to two beta readers.

5) Keep up with my blog.

Despite my crazy writing schedule, I managed to post on a very consistent basis this month. Thank you to my readers for your continued visits. I appreciate all of your comments and “likes.” Your encouragement to keep writing means so much to me.

6) Network more with other writers.

It was a good month on social media! I made an effort to be a little more present on Facebook and Twitter and I have to say it was a lot of fun. My thanks goes to everyone who has stopped by and followed me Facebook and Twitter.

My Facebook Page has grown from 198 to 221 Likes.

On Twitter, my followers have grown from 288 to 425.

To join in the fun, please visit my sidebar to follow me on either network. As I work through revisions, I’ll be posting frequently on both networks with ramblings fueled by extraordinary amounts of caffeine.

7) Inspire other writers to keep writing.

As always, I hope I am a positive presence!

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Happy Halloween! May you have your fair share of jack-0-lanterns and candy! Last year I wrote about the origins of Halloween on this post: Hallowed History. If you’ve ever wondered where Halloween traditions began, you may want to re-visit my spooky history lesson.

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c.b.w. 2012

May Status Report: 2012 Goals

May is always a crazy month for me as it signals the end of the school year.  As a teacher, that means I’m in a mad dash to finish curriculum, administer final exams, close out grades, and pack up my classroom for the summer.  Despite the extra workload at my day job, I managed to make some great headway on my 2012 writing goals.

1) Submit five pieces of writing to contests, journals, literary magazines, or the newspaper.

I just finished a story for a small Writer’s Digest contest.  In every issue, they post a prompt with an invitation to submit entries.  The deadline is June 10th for the piece I wrote and I will submit it well before that date.

I am also gearing up to comb through a gigantic list of upcoming writing contests compiled by Stephanie Smith. While most contests seemed geared towards fantasy and YA genres, there are categories for contemporary fiction that might fit some of the stories I have in my “vault.”  It’s worth a look at the very least!

2) Finish minor changes in my first novel.

In April, I submitted the first thirty pages of my novel for a critique, but I learned the hard way that not everyone keeps their word.  After more than a month of waiting for the promised critique, I wound up with nothing.  Thankfully, the situation has since been rectified and those pages are now in the hands of someone who has very kindly agreed to pick up the dropped ball.

As a result of this little hiccup, my first novel has been on hold.  I’m hoping the arrival of a critique in the next week or so will allow me jump right back in and make some great revisions.  After all, the big picture goal is to make it as polished as possible for the eyes of an agent.

3) Work on my second novel.

Over the last few weeks, my muse has been obsessed with my second novel.  The story is swimming through my imagination at such a fast pace, I can barely keep up.  I literally keep my novel notebook and pen with me at all times because I can’t stop writing!  Two of my characters in particular are incredibly chatty and have created a new twist in the plot.  I never saw it coming and I am beyond excited to continue exploring this new story element.

Starting word count: 51, 381
End word count: 53, 695
Total word count: 2,314

4) Send out five query letters and be ready with a synopsis.

Last month I made the mini-goal of sending my query letter to Pitchapalooza via the World Literary Cafe.  I am happy to report that I met that goal.  I didn’t win the contest, but it felt great to finally put a query in the hands of an agent.  The ice has officially been broken and that motivates me to send out more query letters.  One down, four to go!

In addition, my new critiquer has agreed to give my query letter a line-by-line assessment.  I am beyond excited to get some help on making my query as strong as possible.

5) Keep up with my blog.

Back in April I set a schedule of posting four times a week, but my muse obviously did not agree with this plan.  In the month of May, I posted 29 times and my inspiration is not slowing down.  Thanks so much to my readers for continuing to stop by every day.  I have a lot planned for the next few weeks, so stay tuned!

6) Network more with other writers.

I’ve stepped back slightly from networking, (mainly due to time constraints), but I still managed to do enough to see my numbers go up once again.  I’ll be back in full force over the summer to keep my network growing!

My Facebook Page has grown from 110 to 140 Likes.

On Twitter, my followers have grown from 211 to 237.

Thank you so much to everyone who has clicked those “Like” and “Follow” buttons!  I appreciate all of you so much!

To follow me on either network, please visit my sidebar.

7) Inspire other writers to keep writing.

As always, I hope my presence is positive and inspiring.

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c.b. 2012

March Status Report: 2012 Goals

March has proven to be a busy in terms of the goals I set for 2012. This month was all about building my platform, which gave a few goals a nice jolt of progress.  However, the time and energy that went into platform building took time away from other projects on my list.  While frustrating at times, the lack of balance was a necessary evil.  The business of writing, (or in my case learning the business of writing), often asks writers to step back from the process of writing.  It’s painful to do, but I’m hoping it’ll pay off in the long run.

1) Submit five pieces of writing to contests, journal, literary magazines, or the newspaper.

When I wrote The Last Page I thought it might be something interesting to submit to some of the literary journals and magazines I have on my list.  It received good feedback and I’m encouraged to take it a step further after doing a tad more revising and editing. Thanks so much to everyone who left comments!

2) Finish minor changes in my first novel.

This is one of the projects that went untouched.  It’s going to get much more of my attention in April, mainly because of the progress made on Goal #4.

3) Work on my second novel.

Novel #2 kept me up at night with brainstorming and writing due to an almost constant stream of inspiration!  The story is moving forward with incredible speed, (I’ve never written anything this large so fast!) and I love how the plot line is coming together.  In addition,  the characters continue to evolve in amazing ways and I am so excited to be their chosen writer.

• Starting word count: 49,651
• End word count: 50,831
• Total for March: 1,180

4) Send out five query letters and be ready with a synopsis.

The big news on this front is the fact that I finished writing a synopsis draft.  At the end of February I set a deadline of March 15 and that seemed to do the trick.  I was actually done well before that date and have already begun revisions.  In early April, I plan on sending a revised version to several beta readers.

As a result of completing the synopsis, my query letter got a total makeover.  Once sentence continues to bother me, but that will be resolved soon enough.

Seeing as deadlines seem to agree with me, I am setting a deadline of sending out my first query before the end of April.  Hold me to it!

5) Keep up with my blog.

Yet again, this goal has not been a problem.  I find so much inspiration and encouragement in the blogosphere!  I wrote and posted 25 blog entries this month and I appreciate everyone who stopped by to read and comment on them.

6) Network more with other writers.

Thanks to the Fourth Writers’ Platform Building Campaign, March was another banner month for my networking goals.  I’ve continued to meet and connect with so many wonderful people in the writing community.

In the campaign, my second entry (See Fatespeak), was shortlisted, but I have yet to hear anything more.  As soon as the site of the campaign is updated, I’ll have more information.  Regardless, I’m pretty excited to make it on the short list.  It’s the first time my writing has ever been recognized beyond the first round of judging in any competition.

UPDATE:  I found out this morning (thank you mywithershins and Melissa Maygrove for telling me!), that I won the Second Campaign Challenge!! I wish a had a better word than “excited,” but at the moment I’m too busy doing a happy dance to think of one!

As for social networking, my circle continues to grow as I follow writers, agents, and publishers.  I’m so honored to see my numbers grow on both Facebook and Twitter.  Thanks so much to everyone who follows me.

• Facebook – I’m thrilled to report my Facebook page has experience another jump in followers, from 32 to 41.  My page was recently given a make-over to the timeline layout.  It looks amazing!  You can see it by clicking on the link: http://www.facebook.com/C.B.Wentworth. I appreciate all Likes so much. Thank you to those who have already clicked that button!
• Twitter – 81 to 156 followers.  This was a huge a jump and I’m so excited to reach triple digits! While, I’m still learning Twitter lingo and etiquette, I’ve really enjoyed connecting to so many fellow writers.
• If you are on Facebook or Twitter, follow along and I’ll follow back as long as you’re not a spambot. Shortcut buttons for both are on my sidebar.

Recently, I joined the World Literary Cafe, (see the button on my sidebar), and I plan on exploring this network over the next couple of weeks.  It looks like another golden opportunity to network with readers and writers.

7) Inspire other writers to keep writing.

As always, I can only hope I inspire those around me!

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c.b. 2012