Thursday, January 3, 2008
Walking on the Moon, Winning the Nobel Prize, and Other Unrealistic Goals
Well, dear wenches, it’s the new year. This is the time of year when people make resolutions; some they keep, some they wish they could keep, and some they abandon like we pirate wenches abandon ship at a port of call for a rum-soaked evening.
A quick Google search tells me that the Babylonians were the first to make resolutions. One site even claims the Babylonians resolutions usually involved returning farm equipment. Whether it’s eating better, working out, or saving money, most people you talk to are in the mood for fresh starts. It’s a new year, a clean slate, and it’s the perfect time to start again. So, I thought I would jump on the bandwagon. (Yep, I don’t have original thoughts. Bear with me.)
However, I have no interest in making resolutions that I will disregard in two weeks. It leaves me feeling like a failure and I have enough failure in my life, thank you. I think the whole idea behind this resolution gig is that we’re supposed to KEEP the resolutions, so that we feel better about ourselves.
Having no unreturned farm equipment handy, my resolution-making mind turned to my writing. While I was thinking about good resolutions for my writing, I decided that making a resolution like, “I will get a publishing contract this year” wouldn’t get me anywhere. It just is not a realistic goal. Such a resolution would require me to have some control over the publishing entities and, sadly, I have none. Therefore, I am going to attempt to make goals that I can control and attempt to reach said goals tenaciously.
The first goal is that I’m resolving to write at least five days a week. Because I am the boss of me, I gave myself the weekends off. (Unless my slacker self doesn’t write during the week and then said slacker will be forced to work on the weekend.) While I will not bore you with the minutiae of my writerly goals for the year, most of them just involve getting words on paper. So, I made a promise I would do that.
The second resolution is to start meaningful critique relationships. I think it’s time in my writing career to let others into my writing circle which, until now, has consisted of, well, me. (Can one person make a circle?) I’ve spent the past year learning a lot about the craft. Had you asked me what GMC was a year ago, I would have responded that it was a brand of car. But, now that I’ve come so far in my knowledge, it’s time to jump out of my comfort zone and start laying it on the line. That means letting people tell me if it’s crap (which, I’m certain, at least part of it is).
My last resolution has to do with continuing my networking and growth as a professional. While I did join RWA this past year, I’m going to join a local chapter as well. Getting serious means hanging out with other serious people.
What writer goals have you set for yourself this year? And, if you aren’t willing to share, or you just want to gloat, how far have you come in the past year?
A quick Google search tells me that the Babylonians were the first to make resolutions. One site even claims the Babylonians resolutions usually involved returning farm equipment. Whether it’s eating better, working out, or saving money, most people you talk to are in the mood for fresh starts. It’s a new year, a clean slate, and it’s the perfect time to start again. So, I thought I would jump on the bandwagon. (Yep, I don’t have original thoughts. Bear with me.)
However, I have no interest in making resolutions that I will disregard in two weeks. It leaves me feeling like a failure and I have enough failure in my life, thank you. I think the whole idea behind this resolution gig is that we’re supposed to KEEP the resolutions, so that we feel better about ourselves.
Having no unreturned farm equipment handy, my resolution-making mind turned to my writing. While I was thinking about good resolutions for my writing, I decided that making a resolution like, “I will get a publishing contract this year” wouldn’t get me anywhere. It just is not a realistic goal. Such a resolution would require me to have some control over the publishing entities and, sadly, I have none. Therefore, I am going to attempt to make goals that I can control and attempt to reach said goals tenaciously.
The first goal is that I’m resolving to write at least five days a week. Because I am the boss of me, I gave myself the weekends off. (Unless my slacker self doesn’t write during the week and then said slacker will be forced to work on the weekend.) While I will not bore you with the minutiae of my writerly goals for the year, most of them just involve getting words on paper. So, I made a promise I would do that.
The second resolution is to start meaningful critique relationships. I think it’s time in my writing career to let others into my writing circle which, until now, has consisted of, well, me. (Can one person make a circle?) I’ve spent the past year learning a lot about the craft. Had you asked me what GMC was a year ago, I would have responded that it was a brand of car. But, now that I’ve come so far in my knowledge, it’s time to jump out of my comfort zone and start laying it on the line. That means letting people tell me if it’s crap (which, I’m certain, at least part of it is).
My last resolution has to do with continuing my networking and growth as a professional. While I did join RWA this past year, I’m going to join a local chapter as well. Getting serious means hanging out with other serious people.
What writer goals have you set for yourself this year? And, if you aren’t willing to share, or you just want to gloat, how far have you come in the past year?
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43 comments:
I have lived on a farm but the only *equipment* from that farm I ever had I returned six years ago. *g*
My biggest writing goals for the year is to finish. I'm determined to enter the Golden Heart - not because I think I could win but it obligates me and I have no discipline so I need an outside obligation.
I'd really like to finish more than one project and I believe if I put my mind to it I can do it. But I'm going to sleep first. *g*
I wrote a surprising amount last year. Finished the last one-third of a book, revised it, finished another (in revision now---well, it will be), 2 novellas, several first chaps of mysteriously unplotted things. I feel like I have a squirrel with one of those wheels in my head. Right now I'm trying to get a 20-30,000 word novella written by January 11. I have 7,000+ words. Ha ha ha. I have 2 full-length things begun which I hope to complete. And then there are 2 books under the bed that need rewriting from page 1. I'm not sure I'm going to live long enough to do everything the squirrel wants. *g*
Ter - The Golden Heart is a great goal! I think that I might jump on that bandwagon too. (See, no orginal thoughts). But, the good thing about the GH is that it requires a person to FINISH a book. That's a good goal.
Maggie - you're my inspiration. What a wonderful year you've had!! Best of luck with your novella! 7000 words is great and you just got going. I've no doubt you'll make it.
I want to complete an original, and possibly throw it out there for others to tell me if it's crap or not. I'm with you Marnee, I'm pretty sure that at least part of what I write is total crap.
I need guidance. I'm a green horn writer, so my goal in the next year is to be a sponge. I want to listen and absorb all the knowledge I can from my peers. It doesn't help to write all day if I have no direction, or idea if I am at least on the right track.
I'm also going to join RWA, and possibly a local chapter.
I also want to be less of a procrastinator and more of a doer:)
I wrote over a 100,000 words last year, my goal is to do the same this year only better.
Wow, Lis, 100K words is awesome! I wish I had been as productive! And I think this is the year you and I start really getting in our groove.
Very good goals you've set out for yourself Marnee. I completed one full length (100K) novel last year, went through two full revisions on said novel (which included a lot of purging) and finished and submitted a short story/novella (16K) Wrote half of my second full length historical (50K) and part of my contemp paranormal (35K).
I am proud of myself. But this year I want to finish both those novels that are started, write a straight historical (erotica) full length no less, and maybe dabble at in a few more shorts, because I really enjoyed writing the one I wrote.
Other than that, I plan on entering more contests that help me get feedback I really need to bring my writing up another notch and help me eventually get published.
That's my goal this year.
You know, if I counted words written on blogs, boards and in emails, I bet I hit 500K. LOL!
I figure GH entry is not until December which gives me more than ample time to write, revise and polish. It's the letting go of the thing and declaring it finished that will most likely be the hard part.
And if you want to learn about writing, there's no better *teacher* (No offense, I swear!) than our Captain. She's the bestest. *g*
Tiff, I'd be surprised if you don't finish even more than you've set out too. You have more discipline than most people I know.
Terri is just blowing sunshine every which way, isn't she? Though she is right about Tiff--if anyone could write more than one single-title a year, it'd be her.
Captain Hellion's writing goals. Eek. You know I'm focusing on my carrot sticks right now.
1.) Eat more limes. I've been eating like a horse in corn--I'm fat and unhappy and tired all the time because I'm fat and unhappy. I was a lot happier and energetic when I was hungry and thinner. So I'm going to try to refocus some energy on eating better--and eating less. Hopefully the time I won't be allowed to be eating, I can turn into writing time.
2.) Finish another book this year. Whether it's A&E's story...or the cowboy one...or the regency one...or another "chick littish" one--I want to complete another book this year.
3.) I want to write a synopsis for GOGU (that one should be an achievable goal)--and a query letter. (What the hell is my book classified as anyway? Contemporary single-title? It's not chick lit. It's not glamorous enough for chick lit. Bah.)
4.) Go to one or two writing conferences this year. Take a bunch of workshops. Buy a bunch of books to pile in my room. Finally figure out GMC properly and apply it to my books. (That last one might not be achievable. *LOL*)
Thanks Ladies... I mean wenches, you've got a lot of faith in me!
And Hellion... do we EVER really figure out the GMC properly? It can be soooo subjective [looks around her, then down at her nose to make sure it's the same size]
That's something else I want to do. Attend a conference. Though I don't think I'll make San Fran for the outrageous cost [mind you, the other hotels are cheaper than the Marriott they booked] I think maybe NJ might be very doable.
That's me, the sunshine shooter. *g*
Tiff - I agree with everyone else. Your writing regiment causes jealousy, er, admiration to run rampant through all of us. LOL! I have no doubt that you'll have another stellar and productive year.
I would love to make it to a conference this year too. But, I doubt San Fran is in the cards for me either. And Tiff, if you're coming to NJ, let me know. I'm right here. I was thinking I might attempt that one too. Ditto for everyone else.
Ter - I agree about the GH. What a way to top off the year, ya know?
Hellion - I've been toying with the idea of working out. While this may not be a huge step for other folks, I don't do sweat. Even when I was in good shape, I swam (you know, no icky sweat). But, my sister is training for the Disney Marathon (no idea what genes cause this insanity) and she looks awesome so I am wondering if I should attempt some, *cough* running. Though, my body may just revolt having never run unless someone was chasing me and then not very fast. We'll see.
And good writing goals! Sounds like we're all going to be very busy this year.
Marnee, I *loathe* sweating. It's my biggest detractor from exercise--with #2 being: the actual exertion. But it grows on you eventually; you get a sort of superior feeling from working out and getting up a good sweat--then you immediately shower afterward as a reward.
If you try for the running, you will probably want to build up to it. You could always get one of those jogger strollers--so you can take Mini Pirate and jog him around the park. It'd be a two-for-one strength training/cardio. Sin runs alot and the wench looks great. *I* however do well to get above a slothful crawl on the treadmill...but hey, at least it's better than nothing.
No, Tiff, I don't think pantsers like us ever get the GMC down pat. *LOL* It's not in our genes.
DH mentioned the jogging stroller too. I think I should start walking first. With my luck, if I were to start running immediately my legs would stop working in defiance of exercise.
I would love to start running but seeing as I'm trying to AVOID knee surgery, probably not the best idea for me.
But I AM going to get back to my pilates and maybe find a new gym that actually offers classes. My last gym only had weight machines, treadmills, bikes and elipticals. No classes, pool, or even a locker room. I need a new gym.
I used to belong to a gym, but when I didn't go, it felt more like I was paying a tax to not work out.
I think I'd have to get to working out a bit before I dedicated funds to a workout establishment.
Eek, knee surgery. :( Why bad knees, hon?
This is where I really show my ignorance. WTH is GMC is not a brand of vehicle? Does this have something to do with me being a pantser? I never was a good student :)
I normally don't make resolutions but I have a few that I need to keep anyway:
Number 1: I plan on writing at least four days a week. This means, mostly Thursday - Sunday. I write my best when it's midnight and I can't be distracted.
Number 2: I'm hopping on Ter's bandwagon.. er, I mean skimmer, and doing the GH. We've told ourselves that having someone else doing it will help. Or I've told myself that and I'm sure Ter will reinforce it for me. LOL
Number 3: I will continue to go to the gym 4 days a week and run for an hour or die trying.
Number 4 (and you might not believe this, but it will be the toughest for me): I'm giving up most junk food, fast food, and soda. Since I can't leave the office most of the time at lunch, I'm going to have to bring my lunch. I need to drink more water. So no more soda at lunch time when I need a caffiene pick-me-up and I don't need to eat fast food. And I don't need the loads of crap food left over from Christmas sitting on my counters. I need to pitch it before Hellion comes over. I don't want us to be tempted.
Writing goal for this year: 100k +
Good luck, Maggie! I have faith you can do it!
It's not the reason you would think a pirate wench would have bad knees. *g* Although...nevermind.
I was a catcher in softball for about 10 years or so and the damage is pretty bad. If I exercise and strengthen the muscles above my kneecap, then the pain is minimal but who has the time?! Living on the third floor does not help.
And I'm not allowed to wear my cute little heels anymore which is the worst part. I'm tempted to have the surgery just so I can wear them again. *pouting*
Damn, she beat me to the obvious joke.
Don't let her fool you. I'm sure THAT has probably contributed.
*makes note to bring GMC book to meeting on Saturday to share with Sin* Well, now we know what we'll be learning Saturday at any rate. *LOL*
GMC is shorthand for Goal-Motivation-Conflict. Debra Dixon has a famous book that nearly every published author waves as the banner for the authoritative guide to determining GMC for your character. Basically determining your GMC for your characters will give you your plot...and make sure you don't run into the issues later when talking to publishers when they ask: "What is the character's goal?"
There is an internal motivation and external motivation--that work together--but can be kinda opposite, in a sense. I'll have to bring the book because I can't explain it properly.
Ter, how awful! Softball takes a toll on the body. I can't understand when people say it's an easy sport! Nothing like sliding into a base and snapping an ankle (been there, done that) or line drives smacking right into your legs.
I've broken my right foot several time, and I'm now to the point that I will need surgery to correct the bones and straighten them out. I've been told to leave off the heels, but I can't. Heels are a part of me. I'll need knee surgery on my right knee eventually as well from a chipped kneecap. But I keep trucking along. Eventually I think my whole right side will give out. LOL
Excellent! No snacks at Sin's house. I was so worried the oreos would be there and calling to me. Glad we're both on that ship. What are we eating Saturday anyway and when are we meeting? (I'm guessing not a restaurant then.)
My house. How about 11ish? I'm going to stay up late writing, and finishing touches on this short and have it ready for you.
What would you like? I have a cheat day a week, and it looks like Saturday will be it for me. You always want Chinese so I guess I'll need to think of something for myself. Unless I'm fretting, and if I'm fretting I won't eat.
Backing up Sin on the "aiding and abetting" for the GH. And on those line drives. I warn you all now, DO NOT play second base against another team with large men batting when you are highly intoxicated. I'll have that bone bruise forever!
Yes, I'm falling apart very slowly. I'll need the knee surgery, the carpal tunnel procedure and someday I'd like to get my eyes lasered. Now, if there were a cure for this gray hair that lasted longer than six weeks, I'd be in heaven.
*sticks tongue out at Hellion* At least I don't have guys stalking me because I'm so good at that. LOL! Wait, that's not good is it?
I took a line drive once in a soapbox game against the boys that had me benched for a week. Stupid boys. I played third. Of course that has no bearing on my abilities to go all the way. LMAO
I know, if I was going to pick one thing to be good at, you'd think I'd pick something a bit more self-gratifying--like always finding the perfect pair of shoes. On sale. But no. That's not going to look good in the afterlife is it: St Peter marking off my life skills--and that's the one that topped the list. I mean, do you go straight to Hell for that one or get the biggest house? Because here...you usually can get the biggest house.
I don't know what I'll want Saturday. I have no self-control with Chinese...but I probably need to work in some more veggies. I might pull off some chicken & broccoli.
Oh, and GMC is a car too. LOL!
I have to say, just knowing what it is hasn't helped me. I think I might have to pick up that book.
I've never played softball but it looks like fun, though bodies falling apart not so fun.
Mmm... Chinese. DH and I got a gift card to PF Changs for Christmas, I think that's on the list for this weekend.
Good luck finding a copy, Marnee. It's on Alibris starting at $100 and up. I think I'll muddle through on my own....sheesh!
http://www.gryphonbooksforwriters.com/
Check it out. 19.95, baby
Just bought it! Thanks, Marnee. I SOOOOOO need that book.
Yay! I'm going to order it as well!!
Lis & Sin--this looks like a good one for you two: http://www.gryphonbooksforwriters.com/home/trueblue.htm
That gryphon site's pretty good, huh?
I broke my rule about reading writing books this morning and ordered two off of amazon. Both erotica how-to books. One by Allison Kent and one by Angela Knight. The Angela Knight one was suggested for all writers in romance and the Allison Kent one.. well I just couldn't pass it up. LOL But I like the link Hellion. I saved it.
I'd never heard of that site before. I'll need to do some looking around in there.
That book does look perfect for you guys. And I wouldn't think you'd need any instruction on writing erotica. Thought you had that down pretty good. LOL!
LOL!! I have a couple of writing books. The one I like the best is by Noah Lukeman called "The First Five Pages." I read it now and again.
And that cop one does sound good for you guys. I am also going to sleuth through that site.
We can all twerk our writing, smut included. Anything to make it hotter, I'm all for. I'm just curious to see if my mechanics of writing smut are somewhat right.
The word "tweaking" and "erotica" used in the same breath sends me into fits of giggles.
Lord, I've read your smut...they're dead on! Your instincts are fine!
I said twerking. Tweaking is good too. LMAO
Ha! I don't know a thing about writing erotica. I'm completely making this up as I go along and I have a funny feeling when I'm done, it will never qualify as erotic romance. Just a bad story with lots of sex. LOL!
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