Saturday, December 29, 2012

2012 Goals in Review


Every year I sit down to refine my writing/professional goals as well as my personal goals. Last year I made a pretty extensive list, but I am proud of all that I have accomplished along with the extra curve balls I managed to field in my writing career. I accomplished almost everything on my list and I also revised one book twice for submission. A lot of excitement built up in 2012, but I'm still not published... YET. 2012 taught me that I can work smart and make things happen with my career. I've made decisions based on the timing of the outcome for the future. I believe I have more control and power over my career now despite the fact that I don't have a contract. I WILL get a contract. I don't know when. I don't know with which publishing company. But I do know one thing: I am doing exactly what I want to do which is already a huge blessing and a privilege in a world where so many people aren't afforded that kind opportunity. So before I begin plotting and planning for 2013, it's time to review my goals for 2012 and see how well I did.

Writing Goals for 2012

*clean and organize office to get ready for the new year YES
*brainstorm 3 new category books with CPs YES
*write 2 new category books YES
*revise 4th, 5th, 6th books NO. HAD A HUGE OPPORTUNITY WITH MILLS & BOON SO FOCUSED ON BOOK 3.
*send requested materials to agents by February 1st YES
*query Mills & Boon with 4th and 5th books YES WITH 4TH. NO FOR 5TH DUE TO REQUEST FOR 3RD.
*get head out of sand and ask Mills & Boon about the R&R’s status by January 31st YES
*Build web site by end of first quarter of the year/March 31. NO, BUT I DO HAVE ONE NOW AND I'M VERY PLEASED WITH AUNTIE MOMO DESIGN.
*Continue revising 1st book for fun NO. GOT SIDETRACKED BY MILLS & BOON REQUESTS
*Enter 4 contests at a minimum with at least 3 manuscripts at all done including the Golden Heart with at least 2 manuscripts ENTERED 3 CONTESTS, BUT DID NOT ENTER THE GOLDEN HEART DUE TO RULES CHANGING AND TIMING. I WON THE LINDA HOWARD AWARD OF EXCELLENCE AND TRIPLE FINALED IN THAT CONTEST. 
*Attend the RWA National Conference in Anaheim NO. DID NOT GO DUE TO FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS.
*Attend Moonlight & Magnolias YES.
*Pitch at both conferences NO. I AM WORKING WITH AN EDITOR SO I CUT MYSELF A BREAK. HOWEVER, I NETWORKED LIKE CRAZY.
*build name bible of all names I've used in my books. NO. THE BEST LAID PLANS...
*maintain personal blog YES, BUT IT HAS BEEN MORE SPORADIC DUE TO WRITING OBLIGATIONS.
*continue building my brand name via social media, web page, professional presence in writing world YES
*get an Agent NO. CAME CLOSE, BUT I DECIDED TO FOCUS ON THE EDITOR AND THE REQUESTS.
*get a publishing contract NO. BUT I AM CLOSER THAN I'VE EVER BEEN AND TIME WILL TELL.
*continue building professional mentor relationships YES
*continue to streamline writing and business of writing with proper schedule YES AND NO. I AM PRETTY DISCIPLINED, BUT LIFE DOES GET IN THE WAY ON OCCASION. FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING IS HOW I VIEW IT NOW.
*Review digital and e-publishers for submissions YES. I'M CONTINUING TO REVIEW AND RESEARCH THIS AVENUE.
*take at least two master classes in craft YES. I TOOK SEVERAL RU COURSES ON LINE AND LOVED THEM.
*judge at least two writing contests YES.
*set Top 5 Priority List and review every quarter YES, BUT I DIDN'T REDO IT FOR THE 4TH QUARTER. 
*read for fun YES.
*continue to analyze published books in my genre YES.
*continue learning and growing in my craft with online courses and craft books YES
*attend chapter meetings which aid in my professional development and in my goal for achieving publication YES
*build my new critique partnership YES
*be courageous, strong, and focused in pursuing my dreams and goals YES, BUT THERE ARE DAYS WHEN I AM AS UNFOCUSED AS THE NEXT GAL ;-)

Wow, that's a lot of work! I also took on the job of coordinating the Linda Howard Award of Excellence for the 2013 year, traveled to Silken Sands Conference in Pensacola Beach where I learned I had won the Linda Howard in my category. I fielded and responded to several requests for submissions. I networked more. I really did do a lot to build my writing career. My launching pad is constructed with a solid web presence and now all I have to do is fine tune my rockets and get ready for lift off!!

I hope your year was good and that you managed to accomplish many things in 2012. Stay tuned for 2013's goals!!

Happy Holidays!


6 comments:

Gail Hart said...

Wow, hristine, I'm so impressed by all you accomplished! I agree, there's definitely a contract in your future.

Christine said...

HI Gail!! I think we both have a contract in our future!!

Happy New Year!!!

:-)

Anonymous said...

Wow, I'm impressed. Hard work does pay off! Keep looking forward!! Wishing you a successful 2013

Christine said...

Thanks Tina.Hopefullly I will see a bigger pay off this year in 2013. Happy New Year!

:)

Mary Curry said...

Christine. I'm exhausted just reading your list! Best of luck. I have a few similar goals and I am taking the Margie Lawson workshop that begins tomorrow!

Happy New Year.

Christine said...

Mary, you will love that course! I have the lecture packets, but really want to commit to taking one online. My dream is to go to Colorado for one of Margie's in person workshops!!

Happy New Year to you as well. :-)