Last year, I had a post called My 2012 Plan, inspired by my friend, Jani Grey (here’s her 2012 post, and her 2013 post). It involved mostly writerly things, but also a few personal WANTS.
Why wants, not resolutions? Because I can’t resolve to have an agent this year, can I? Unfortunately, that’s involve more than just old plain me. So, stating what I want, means that I’ll work toward it, but it isn’t certain I’ll obtain it.
Since my WANTS worked quite well in 2012, I decided to write down My 2013 Plan:
1. Read at least 60 books. Last year I read 77 books, but I had more *free* time. Now I’m under contract and getting two books ready for querying or self-pubbing, so I’m kinda busy and might not be able to read as much as I would like. (I kinda envy those people who read 200+ books per year. But I can only think that’s all they do …)
2. Go to at least one conference. I signed up for the Boston Author Event (March 16th), and I’m thinking about attending BEA since it’s right in my corner (I do live 1.5 hours from NYC), and I’m also considering RWA. Let’s see …
3. Write more. And by that I mean: finishing what I start more than last year. I started tons of projects last year, wrote them to 5k, 10k, 15k, sometimes even to 20k, then gave up, either because I lost interest or because I new shiny idea popped up and became more interesting. My total 2012 word count is probably pretty high, but if I look at how many projects hit the end, then it seems ridiculous.
4. Find at least one more reliable CP. And maybe a beta-reader or two. Preferably someone who enjoys the same genres I do.
5. Write reviews on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes and Nobles for the books I read and enjoy. Now that I have a book out, I see how important reviews are.
6. Spend less time on Social Media. So I can write more. That is crucial if I want to accomplish the next goal.
7. Publish at least 2 books, besides the novella that comes out in Feb. I have one novel which is with 2 publishers at the moment. If they reject it, I’ll self-pub it (which was the original plan, anyway). Then I’m working on another one. Still not sure if I’ll query or self-pub that one.
8. Continue researching about what is best for me and my writing: to self-pub, to continue with a small press, or to query agents. Or maybe the three of them?
9. Participate on all rounds of ROW80.
10. Keep going to the gym, lose 5 or 6 pounds and keep them off! (This one didn’t quite work last year. Yes, I became addicted to the gym, but I didn’t lose anything yet).
11. Eat healthier. Well, I don’t eat much fruits and vegetables, so I’m trying to add them to my diet. And more fiber and vitamins … Now, don’t think I’ll completely change my diet. I won’t. I don’t want to. I just want to make it a little better, otherwise all those hours at the gym won’t count for much.
12. Be more present. Accordingly to my hubby and daughter, I’m a super mom and wife, but, if you’re a writer like me, you know we space out sometimes (aka=all the time) and, when on the heat of the story, we kinda ignore them to write down all the words. I want to be able to separate my writing time and my family time. I’ll try to leave all the words and everything related to this business for when they are not at home (work and school), and give them my full attention when they are home. Again, if you’re a writer, you know how hard this is. But I truly love them with all my heart and soul, and for that they deserve better from me.
Doable, uh? I hope so.
I saw on a few friends’ blogs (Alex, Katy, Elodie and Ghenet) about The Word of the Year. I like this idea. One word to summarize the coming year. My Word of the Year is: LOVE. Yes, just that. Love my family, love my friends, love my life, love my work, love all the words, write for love, love the writing community, love reading, love exercising, love feeling good, love living. Just … LOVE!
How about you? What are your WANTS for 2013? And what’s your Word of the Year?
Cheers,
All your goals/wants sound doable and reasonable to me! Best of luck with them, I’ll be here to cheer you on along the way :)
Excellent plan and I like your word for the year!
I like the idea of selecting “wants” instead of concrete goals. I’m confident you’ll do well with all of your wants! And I *love* your word of the year. I also hope my 2013 is filled with lots of love. <3
These are great goals. I too want to read 60 books this year. Best of luck Juliana.
Love it! I need to incorporate #3 and #4 into my long term plan. I have so many WIP that are half finished or nearly finished. Those darn plot bunnies that hop around my brain keep me too distracted to finish what I start! :D Good luck with your plan and see you for ROW80 (and likely during sprints!)
seriously… 200+ books? that’s crazyness… These are great “Wants”, My list would probably match :) I’m sure you’re going to have a great year!
Sounds like a plan to me! :)
Sounds like a plan ;)
Hey Juliana, what a great list and a lot more ambition them mine. Good luck and here’s to a great new year for all of us.
Great plan, Juliana! I hope your 2013 is a happy and successful year. :)
I totally know what you mean about spacing out. I love my family with all my heart too, being more present and stopping to smell the roses is huge on my list this year. You’re going to have a great year, Juliana. I’m looking forward to watching it.
Best of luck with all of your “wants,” Juliana… I love that idea, by the way. And I also love your word for 2013. So much positivity. I’m totally on board!
What a great list of goals! Man, when you achieve those, you’ll be Superwoman!! Happy New Year!
ooh we should go to a conference together! That would be fun! And you have a volunteer for your beta reading if you’d like :)
-L
Love your list of wants and I agree it’s a much better way to look at it. Fabulous word for the year too.
Best of luck with your goals Juliana!