My Writing Goals for 2014
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“Write. Start writing today. Start writing right now. Don’t write it right, just write it –and then make it right later. Give yourself the mental freedom to enjoy the process, because the process of writing is a long one. Be wary of “writing rules” and advice. Do it your way.” ― Tara Moss
Each year, around New Year’s Day, I sit down and set some goals for myself. I find goals inspiring and look at them as guides, not something written in stone. Here are my writing goals for 2014:
1. Finish writing my novel, Olga’s Discovery. I’m working with Kathi Macias, the acquisitions editor for A Taste of Chocolate (an imprint of Elk Lake Publishing) on this project. She liked my proposal and I’ve promised her the first 20,000 words by mid-February. Currently, I’m at the 18,000 mark of my first draft. After that, I’m aiming to write at least 10,000 words per month until the story is finished.
2. Write a Twitter Manual for Writers. This was on my list last year, but I didn’t do it. I’m giving myself a goal of having the rough draft done by the beginning of May. Ongoing discussions with a publisher have given a kick-start. I’m aiming to get it done.
3. Write a full-length novel about Cecile and Colin. In December 2013, Cecile’s Christmas Miracle, a novella, was released. I’ll admit that I packed a lot into the plot – too much to be resolved in the length of the novella. Several people have told me they are waiting to read the next part of the story. I’m in the early stages of working out plot details and doing research, with a view to continuing the story in a series-style manner – releasing several chapters at a time. My goal is to have the next part of the story released in October or November and then continue the story on until it’s a full-length novel.
Those are my main writing goals. I know that there is a lot of work to do behind the scenes as well. I want to move my website and blog from WordPress.com over to WordPress.org. I also want to continue to post regularly. The plan right now is to post 3 times a week:
- Mondays – Writing related posts
- Wednesdays – Posts about what I’m learning in my walk with God
- Fridays – My fitness journey
Of course there’s social media to keep up with as well. I’m still figuring out how I’m going to fit this all into my schedule. (If you have any tips, I’d be happy to hear them.)
As I start this new year with enthusiasm and optimism, my prayer is that I will always be sensitive to God’s leading in my life and that if I have to choose between my writing goals and spending time with people, I’ll choose the people.
What are some of your goals for 2014? I’d love to hear about them so we can encourage and support each other throughout this coming year.
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I think advanced blog topics is a wonderful idea … and blogging three times a week (I’m still trying to do it every day but I think it puts too much pressure on me). Looking forward to the Twitter Manual!!!
Thanks for the comments, Patti. We have to be careful how much we do “behind the scenes” that takes away from our writing. Another good reason to seek God’s wisdom 🙂
It’s the ‘Behind the Scenes’ that’s the killer, isn’t it, Ruth? It doesn’t matter how much time you allow for social media, it’s never enough. Since we’re all on a journey of discovery with it (even those who teach us), the time taken just finding out how is often as much as that used up with the what. I often feel overwhelmed.
Yes, Bobbi, the behind the scenes work is tough. Hopefully as we work together and share what we’re learning it’ll get easier for all of us!
Well said Ruth. I don’t think I’d get any writing done without set goals.
Thanks, Donna. Goals are definitely helpful. I’m glad you stopped by 🙂
Good morning Ruth,
Excellent goals for 2014. Now we need to pray for each of those in God’s will. Maybe we need an Inscribe prayer group on Facebook just for that purpose?
Many blessings as we head into the excitement of seeing God at work.
Blessings,
Janis http://www.janiscox.com
Good morning, Jan,
I like your idea for an InScribe prayer group. We need to consciously choose to listen to God’s still small voice in every area of our lives, including writing. Thanks for your encouragement and support.
All the best in achieving your goals this year, Ruth. and thanks for starting this hop
Thanks, Tracy. I’m glad you’ve joined the blog hop. Best wishes to you too 🙂
Good luck with your novels! I’m also trying to juggle writing and blogging (and life and school). I think a timer would help for social media… five or ten minutes a day on each channel and then move on. (Not that I’ve done that yet…)
Thanks, Bonnie. You are a busy lady! Maybe I’ll have to try the timer idea. I use it with my kids so they’ll probably think it’s funny if I use it for myself 🙂
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Well. My goals are more along the line of spending less time writing. Sorry. I have neglected real life for the imaginary and virtual. It saddens me. I need a maid and the funds to pay her. Maybe that would be a good goal, too? Hmm . . . . I like that as a goal.
No need to apologize, Katharine. We all need balance in our lives. It’s easy to let our time get snatched away by things that are less important than our family or other people. May God give you wisdom in sorting it out.
I’m slowly reading and tweeting through everyone’s goals. I’m very excited about the responses we are getting and the benchmarks we’ve all set for ourselves. Thanks for hosting this, Ruth!
You’re welcome 🙂 Thanks for participating. I’m very encouraged by the positive response so far.
Ruth, I like your plan to write a Twitter manual for writers. I don’t use Twitter, mostly because I don’t have a smart phone, but also because when I looked at it, it looked like something that would overwhelm me and waste my time. I’d love to learn how to use it for good and not evil. 🙂
Kathleen, you’re not the only one who’s overwhelmed by Twitter. Thanks for the encouragement to get writing 🙂
Great idea for a blog hop. Great goals you’ve listed as well. All the best.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving an encouraging comment, Bev 🙂
Wonderful goals, Ruth! It’s exciting how the fiction-writing door has opened for you. I will look forward to reading more about Cecile! Thanks for putting this together.
Thanks, Violet. I appreciate your continued encouragement and support. Thanks for participating in the blog hop 🙂
Yes! Always choose time with people (because they generally make great fodder for your stories, so it’s a 2 for 1 deal). 🙂
Lol, Sara, you made me laugh. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment 🙂
[…] I’m taking part in a 6 week blog hop challenge. It’s organised by Ruth Synder. It’s a fantastic way to meet other bloggers and get focused for 2014. If you would like to take part click on this link: Ruth Synder […]
Hi Ruth, thanks for this opportunity to be part of the blog hop. I’m so excited as I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ve posted my article and linked it to the InLinkz page. How do I get the code to embed the image link on my blog?
Your goals sounds great. I’m looking forward to the Twitter manual. I’m sure lots of writers will benefit from it.
God bless.
June, I’m glad you’ve joined us 🙂 Here’s the code for the image link:
Thanks for your encouragement. I’m excited to see where we all are a year from now 🙂
Enjoyed reading your writing goals, Ruth. Sounds like you are well on your way to writing success. I like the idea of an Inscribe prayer group, and ditto the others on thanking you for setting up this hop!
Thanks for your comments, Susan. I’m glad you’ve joined the blog hop 🙂
Ruth, a Twitter manual for writers is N.E.E.D.E.D. So many writers struggle with social media, particularly Twitter. I have a few blog posts on my Resources for Writers blog you are welcome to raid, adapt and share to the ends of helping other writers. We all need to support each other.
The very best of luck with your goals this year. May your muse always be in an excellent and generous mood.
Cate, Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I appreciate your generous offer.
My pleasure Ruth. Stay in touch and let me know how you’re going with the project.
Will do, Cate. Thanks again.
[…] as I was trundling my merry way through the blogosphere, I happened across a blog hop, hosted by Ruth L. Snyder. It runs for twelve weeks, with posting every other week and six tasks to complete. I’m a […]
Hi, Ruth! Good luck on your goals. I think you have a great idea for a blog hop. I’m wondering how strict your posting on Monday rule is; I have chronic health problems and I can’t always post on a particular schedule like that.
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. You’re welcome to join us as you’re able to do so. We’d be happy to have you 🙂
Thank you.
You’re welcome 🙂 I look forward to reading your post.
Dear Ruth,
I’m delighted to meet you and I thank you for hosting this fabulous blog hop! I’ve featured you on my blog at my weekly Inspire Me Monday party (we have lots of writers & authors there) and I hope to join you at some point for this hop!
Have a fabulous week!
Create With Joy
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2014/01/inspire-me-monday-week-107.html
Thanks for stopping by, and for featuring the blog hop on your blog. I look forward to having you join us 🙂
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Thanks for an awesome post, Ruth. It’s actually giving me an idea for my own blog. I broke my first New Year’s Resolution (to write at least one page a day) but this post will help me get back on track. I’ve been critiquing someone’s book, but I know it’s a poor excuse.
I’d love to take part in the blog hop but first, I’ll try to get a steady blog schedule,
Blessings,
Renee-Ann <
http://reneeanngiggie.com
Renee-Ann,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving an encouraging comment. Setting goals is important, but breaking a goal into bite-sized pieces and putting the plan into action are crucial. Your page-a-day goal sounds reasonable. You need to decide when you’re going to do it – first thing in the morning, at night after the kids are in bed, etc.
It would be great to have you join a blog hop. Best wishes on your writing 🙂
Thanks, Ruth.
I might take you up on that. Yes one page a day is do-able. I just need to get into a routine. I’ll be in touch. Until then, take care.
Blessings.
You too, Renee-Ann 🙂
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