It's that time of year again. Two weeks ago, I looked at my 2014 writing goals and discussed whether or not I had achieved them. This week I shall be setting in stone (or on screen) the goals I talked through with Tracy at our teacake session... were we really in the tearoom three hours! You can read Tracy's own goals here.
So (deep breath) here are my 2015 writing targets:
1. Continue to write one short story a week.
2. Write at least 40,000 words of my novel by August to enable me to submit something for the RNA New Writers' Scheme critique (I could say write the whole novel but I'm being realistic here). I intend to try to write at least 500 words of it on at least four days a week - this way, it won't seem a chore. I'm hoping I'll write more but we'll see. Can I say I'll start next week, Tracy? *hangs head in shame*
3. Go to the RNA conference. Although it may seem a small goal, it is a big one for me - for reasons I have given in this post. I've already printed out the form and it should be in the post tomorrow.
4. My final goal is to publish at least one more collection of my published magazine stories. I've been thrilled with how well Room in Your Heart has been received and have been asked many times whether I'll be doing another collection. This is already in progress and my second collection will be available soon... so watch this space.
I hope my 2015 goals are manageable but I've learnt from last year that I need to be flexible. If there's something that's not working then I'll change it. After all, targets are just that... something to aim for.
In other news I have a story in the People's Friend Special. It's a historical story about a quarryman's family and is once again set against the backdrop of the Lake District's beautiful pikes. The illustration is by Michael Thomas.
Also, I've just heard that my first People's Friend serial (written a year ago) is in the process of being illustrated by the very talented David Young, which might mean that it may be published soon. Can't wait!
Excellent goals Wendy! I love that you make them with Tracy, over a teacake (or two?) I think that must be invaluable, having someone to talk them through with, and someone who can help keep you on track!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations at having another short story published, and great news about the serial! Good luck with this years goals, I feel sure you'll reach every one :)
Yes, Sam - Tracy will be very severe if I fail!
DeleteBrilliant goals, and best of luck with all of them!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kath.
DeleteGood luck with your good goals.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your serial with David's illustrations!
I can't either - he's so talented isn't he, Pat.
DeleteThose are great goals, Wendy, and I'm sure you'll achieve them all. Lovely illustration. Hopefully, I'll be going to the RNA conference so maybe we'll meet in real life at last!
ReplyDeleteOh fantastic Rosemary - we've been talking about this for ages haven't we. So looking forward to meeting you.
DeleteI'm sure with clear goals like that you'll achieve them!
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed, Simon.
DeleteGood luck with those goals, Wendy. You sound nicely in control!
ReplyDeleteBTW, are you still using Scrivener? I'm just finding my way around the trial version at the moment.
Ha no! I loved the idea behind it but just didn't have the time to waste finding out how to use it properly. I've just gone back to using word. There's an article about using Scrivener in Writers Forum - have you seen it?
DeleteNo, I haven't. Thanks, I'll look out for it.
DeleteI know what you mean about the time-wasting though. I ended up going back to paper and pencil so I could actually make some progress! Having said that, I do like the corkboard and being able to shunt the cards around. And the one-click combining when it's all done. We'll see... ;-)
Funnily enough, these were the parts of it I loved as well (the corkboard especially). It was everything else that confused me!
DeleteThese are all achievable goals, Wendy, and I will want a full update when we meet each month :)
ReplyDelete*Bites fingernails!*
DeleteGood luck with the goals. I aim to write a short story once a month. Look forward to the new collection. And to hopefully see you at the conference. My form is here on my desk waiting to be filled in. Am going this year it being in London.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to meeting you too, Julie - and good luck with the stories.
DeleteLike that illustration by Michael Thomas.
ReplyDeleteGreat, isn't it.
DeleteI love reading other people's goals, Wendy (reminds me that I need to set some of my own, for a start..!) and these seem very reasonable and well thought out. You will do them, I'm sure! Breaking down the novel into 'just' 500 words x 4 days sounds 'do-able', doesn't it and I'm sure that's the secret of tackling a novel, so that it doesn't feel like an impossible task. Good luck with them all and well done on another story in the PF!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Helen and good luck with your own writing this year.
DeleteGood luck with your goals. It shows real commitment to publish them on your blog!
ReplyDelete... or stupidity!
DeleteGood luck with the goals, Wendy - they all sound good! I'm looking forward to reading your quarryman story xx
ReplyDeleteI see you are in there too, Teresa (two in fact). Look forward to reading them. So glad we don't have to have pen names now.
DeleteGood luck, Wendy. I hope you do better with yours than I have so far with mine!
ReplyDeleteEarly days, Frances... early days!
DeleteI'm sure you will achieve all these goals - and more! Good writing!
ReplyDeleteLet's hope so, Lindsay.
DeleteI am in awe of all your aims and ambitions. I'm sure you will achieve them, but don't beat yourself up if it doesn't happen exactly as planned. Well done so far.
ReplyDeleteI promise to be kind to myself if I start to underachieve, Maggie.
DeleteGood luck with achieving your goals in 2015, Wendy. I like the idea of breaking your novel writing down into manageable chunks.
ReplyDeleteHopefully it will work, Jan.
DeleteWonderful that you have Tracy and she you to spur each other on. I certainly wouldn't be where I am today (apologies to Reggie Perrin for misquote) if it hadn't been for Elaine Everest.
ReplyDeleteI understand your misgivings about conference but you will not be allowed to sit and hide in the corner, or behind a pillar as was your suggested intention for the winter party. You will be embraced by us all and we will make damn sure you have a good time!
... and I shall be very grateful for it, Natalie :)
DeleteCongratulations on all you've achieved so far and good luck with your goals.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Patsy.
DeleteGood luck with your goals Wendy how organised you are. I've set goals for January but haven't got any further - don't think I can plan that far ahead!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your novel too, setting a daily word count which is achievable is a good way to keep the momentum going.
And congratulations on your stories too they are always a joy to read.
I think monthly targets are just as good, Linda. Good luck with them.
DeleteWishing you continued success and I can't wait for the next short story compilation. Best of luck with the novel, Wendy.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Nicola.
DeleteBest of luck with your goals for 2015 Wendy, and hope to meet you at the RNA Conference-it was fantastic last year!
ReplyDeleteVery much looking forward to your serial, Wendy - and to seeing David's illustrations for it. All the best for 2015. x
ReplyDelete