Every year I sit down and reflect upon my goals for the year to see what I have accomplished and to figure out where I am going. This year has been pretty momentous in loads of ways. I've had to redo my goals at the mid-point due to signing my first contract. As always goals are flexible. They should be flexible because life happens, different roads become available to trod upon, and if we are too rigid in our thinking, then we won't be able to see the opportunities that are available to us. With that in mind here are my checkpoints at the beginning of 2013:
*clean and organize office to get ready
for the new year CHECK
*finish first draft LHD by end of January CHECK
*revise MINO by mid February. HALF-CHECK: partial is complete, but full was put aside. Will revisit in 2014
*check in with editor by Feb. 1 regarding
MINO CHECK
*revise first three chapters of LHD and
be ready to query to editor by mid February CHECK
*March: revise and query MAVERICK CHECK
*April: revise and query HPOL DID NOT DO THIS DUE TO OTHER EVENTS
*May: revise and query TYCOO: DID NOT DO THIS DUE TO OTHER EVENTS
*build query list for above three books: CHECK
*go to both readers’ luncheons and
participate with Digging Out of Distraction basket CHECK
*brainstorm 2 new category books with CP CHECK
*write 2 new category books CHECK plus wrote one Novella
*Attend the RWA National Conference in Atlanta CHECK
*Attend Moonlight & Magnolias CHECK
*Pitch at both conferences if necessary NOT NECESSARY
*build name bible of all names I've used
in my books STILL WORKING ON THIS
*maintain personal blog KIND OF LET THIS SLIDE AFTER SEPTEMBER 14
*add new feature to blog for recipe rut DIDN'T DO IT
*continue to build my brand name via
social media, web page, professional presence in writing world CHECK
*coordinate the Linda Howard Award of
Excellence for 2013 CHECK
*get a publishing contract CHECK
*continue building professional mentor
relationships CHECK
*continue to streamline writing and
business of writing with proper schedule STILL FIGURING ALL THIS OUT
*Review digital and e-publishers for
submissions ONGOING
*take at least two master classes in
craft; one with Margie Lawson CHECK
*judge at least two writing contests CHECK
*set Top 5 Priority List and review every
quarter CHECK
*read for fun CHECK: READING AN AVERAGE OF 3-4 BOOKS A WEEK
*continue to analyze published books in
my genre CHECK
*continue learning and growing in my
craft with online courses and craft books CHECK
*attend chapter meetings which aid in my
professional development and in my goal for achieving publication CHECK; AM PRO LIAISON FOR ONE, NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR ANOTHER ONE
*build my new critique partnership: DID NOT GO FORWARD AS PLANNED. HAVE ONE MAIN CP AND THAT WORKS BEST FOR ME
*be courageous, strong, and focused in
pursuing my dreams and goals CHECKIn addition to the goals that I had at the beginning of the year, I also added new goals at the mid-point of the year to reflect the sale of THE MAVERICK'S RED HOT REUNION.
*Write and complete my first novella CHECK; SENT IT IN NOVEMBER
*Brainstorm sequel with CP: CHECK; BLURB AND SYNOPSIS WITH EDITOR AND WAITING FOR FEEDBACK.
*Quarterly check on Website: CHECK; AM GEARING UP FOR SOME MAJOR CHANGES TO THE SITE.
*Continue building CP relationship: CHECK PLUS: CP HAS SOLD!!
I'm pleased with all that I have accomplished this year. Many wonderful things happened and I'm thrilled that I've sold. That shifted a lot of my focus and energy into a new direction. And, looking ahead to 2014, I will have to incorporate what I've learned about myself into building my career as well as managing my time more efficiently.
What goals did you set this year? Did you accomplish them? Did you veer in a different direction? Do you even set goals? If not, why not?
