At the beginning of 2014, I sat down over teacakes with writing chum Tracy and set myself some writing goals for the coming year - you can read the original full post here.
The goals (in brief) are below and I have commented on whether or not they have been achieved.
Goal: Increase my story output to three stories every two weeks.
Achieved? Yes and no. I managed this for several months until it became stressful! I realised that by forcing myself to write more stories, I was concentrating more on quantity than quality and unless my story is my very best, I don't want to send it. I also realised that by writing more stories I had to come up with more ideas and this started to feel like a chore rather than a pleasure. With this in mind, I dropped back to one story a week again - this feels just right and the ideas come naturally now.
Goal: Achieve my hundredth sale by the end of the year.
Achieved? I sold 102!
Goal: Write another serial
Achieved? Yes. Serial number two was accepted by The People's Friend and is almost completed.
Goal: Write a novel
Achieved? Umm... no. I started - really I did - but there was always something else I wanted to write. I'm a bit disappointed in myself but will try harder next year!
Goal: Publish a collection of my short stories in time for Christmas.
Achieved: A gold star for this as Room in Your Heart was published in September (available here.) It was only ever meant to be an ebook but after many requests, I published a paperback version as well.
So, as you can see, it was a mixed year but on balance, I was very happy with my achievements.
But do you know what the best goal of all was? It was to meet up with Tracy once a month to discuss targets and put the writing world to rights. We've managed every month for the whole year and I couldn't have a better writing buddy. I'll be posting my new targets for 2015 very soon - so look out for them.
You did rather well this year. I plan to write a short story a week next year, too. As well as getting a Pocket Novel written and a few more ebooks.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to have goals, Julie - just remember they are just a guide though. Good luck with yours.
DeleteGood job! In the absence of a writing buddy like Tracy, I use the W1S1 site http://www.write1sub1.com/ for my motivation.
ReplyDeleteOoh yes, That's an excellent idea, L - thanks for the link.
DeleteYou are my inspiration! My goal for 2015 is to get a story published in one of the Womags. Well done on achieving so many of your goals.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alison. You might want to have a story in a womag but a little bird tells me you write cracking competition stories!
DeleteI think you've had a great year. Perhaps, finding out what really motivates you in your writing was one of the most significant achievements in the end. And thank for the sweet and kind words - I can't tell you how our monthly chats keep me sane and on the writing path. Looking forward to setting 2015 goals (eat more teacakes?) and now I need to re-visit mine for 2014 ...
ReplyDeleteYou bet - I have you booked in for next week!
DeleteExcellent results! I think it's very sensible of you to have realised the increased output goal wasn't working as well as you'd hoped and to adjust it.
ReplyDeleteIt's made me realise that goals are for guidance only, Patsy.
DeleteIf only all it took was teacakes then maybe some of us wouldn't have such a hard time keeping up. You only get out what you put in, Wendy. You work so hard you deserve your success. Let's hope 2015 is just as successful - and that you really get going on that novel.
ReplyDeleteThat's the plan, Natalie... that's the plan!
DeleteMassive congrats on the goals you DID achieve Wendy! You have to leave SOME things for 2015 ;)
ReplyDeleteGoing to have a big think about it this week, Sam.
DeleteExcellent results - think you deserve more than a gold star. Onwards and upwards. (And thanks for pointing me towards shorts... even if they are still hidden from view).
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Roland.
DeleteYou keep going for quality. You are so lucky to have a writing buddy to meet up with, Mine is in Brisbane so daily emails keep us on track.
ReplyDeleteWow! Brisbane is rather far for teacakes!
DeleteIt's been a great year for you, Wendy, and you've achieved so much! Wishing you great success in 2015.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rosemary... and to you too.
DeleteWhat a wonderful year, Wendy. Many congratulations on all your successes. One of my targets for the new year is to find myself a writing buddy :) Wishing you a fabulous 2015.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with finding your writing buddy, Nicola.
DeleteYou have done so well this year and so lucky to have a writing buddy. My writing group meets weekly so that is my inspiration.
ReplyDeleteA weekly meet must be really useful, Maggie. If Tracy and I met up once a week we would be very porky with all the teacakes!
DeleteHi Wendy - Congratulations on achieving the majority of your goals for 2014. You obviously put a lot of effort, time and focus into your writing so you deserve your success. Good luck for 2015.
ReplyDeleteThank you and to you too, Linda
DeleteCongratulations on a successful year, Wendy. You have clearly worked very hard and you deserve your success.
ReplyDeleteYour blog has made me list my own aims for this year. I just hope that this time next year, I'll have done as well as you.
Best wishes for 2015 xxx
All the very best for 2015, Sue.
DeleteCongratulations on such a successful year, Wendy. I enjoy reading your blog which keeps us informed of everything you're writing. Best wishes for your writing in 2015! :-)
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