In yesterday’s post, I wrapped up 2013 by reviewing my ups and downs during the year. Some were writerly, others family.
Overall, my year ended on several high notes, and I have many writing friends and communities who contributed to the high moments.
But now it is time to move on to 2014 and what the next 364 days hold in store.
I never make resolutions. Why? Because I break them.
Goals are a different story. I can’t explain why. BUT goals I somehow manage to keep on a high awareness level. Goals are usually in my mind, never written, only for my mind to see. This year, however, I’m stepping outside the box and sharing them with you thereby giving myself a sense of accountability.
Drum roll, please —
Writing Goals:
- Complete first draft of my memoir, writing 1500-2000 words five days per week
- Self-edit manuscript at least twice
- Engage editor and proofreader to check my manuscript
- Platform building and branding efforts
- Begin drafting book proposal
- Post here once a week
I recently read and reviewed Brooke Warner’s new book, How to Sell Your Memoir: 12 Steps to a Perfect Book Proposal. This book invigorated and encouraged me so I believed I could really do this. Warner’s easy style and straightforward explanations of platform building, book proposal, branding, and more instilled a sense of self-confidence I have not until now felt.
I knew I could write. Many of you told me that. I had published several short pieces and had others accepted. But could I make the giant step to finish a book and then approach the point of publication. This one boulder stood between me and finishing my memoir. No more!
My red cape is at the ready, and SuperWriter is about to start work on the next great memoir! Thank you, Brooke Warner!
Other Goals:
- Learn more about SEO
- Incorporate better social media skills related to time management
- Consider eliminating book review blog due to time required
- Redesign blog to make it more brand-based (already underway!)
- Consider focus on writing blog
- Consider publication of one short e-book
Personal Goals:
- Greater focus on spiritual health (recent reactivation of my devotional blog, Sowing Seeds of Grace, is a beginning)
- Health and fitness (make time for 30 minutes of exercise at least five days/week)
- Home and hearth (planning chores more effectively around writing time and time spent with husband)
- Yard and garden (more time outside digging in the dirt)
- Knitting and quilting (the other half of my writing room — make some time each week to indulge myself in one or the other of these)
This may seem to be a long list, but a single human unit has many needs to support a healthy and balanced life. Without some of these listed components, I do not feel as if I’m thriving. I will find balance by allocating time wisely and knowing when to pull back on something allowing a sense of flexibility to reign overall.
AND NOW, my focus word for 2014 —
Merriam-Webster.com defines “strive” as “to devote serious effort or energy.” I believe in order to carry out any or all the above, but primarily my writing goals, I must devote serious time, energy and effort to capture the prize — completion of my memoir manuscript in 2014. And I will strive!
Related articles
- How to Sell Your Memoir: 12 Steps to a Perfect Book Proposal by Brooke Warner | A Review (sherreymeyer.com)
- my goals for 2014 (daybydaymasterpiece.com)
- A Blue Mason Jar Full of Post-It Notes Goals for The New Year (jparadisirn.com)
