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