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