I'm not really one for New Year's resolutions and moving into 2024 is no different. Resolutions feel like setting yourself up for failure. This promise to do something for an entire year that's almost always impossible to actually do. That being said, I do think it's good to set intentions and have a list of goals for the upcoming year. As you know, I have a lot going on with having a baby this year and all, but I'm still hoping to continue to prioritize my writing. My friend and I decided to make 2024 bingo cards with a whole bunch of goals we want to accomplish, some career-centered, some life-centered, and some just silly ones. It felt like a good alternative to a resolution. Instead of one thing I'm putting all my energy into and then being devastated when it fails, I'm going to try for a bunch of things, and if I happen to get 5 in a row that's great, and if not, at least I accomplished some of them.
As for my writing goals, I'm going to share my top five and maybe you'll commit to doing these five goals in your own writing journey this year too!
My first goal of the new year is to finish implementing the notes from my beta reads for my first book. I have about six chapters left and between compiling the notes, making additional changes I want to make, and ensuring the continuity all stays correct, it's been a tedious process. However, once it's done I'll finally be in a place to start querying agents– which is my second goal for 2024.
I've talked about the querying process a lot because I've done so much research into it, but I haven't been ready to actually submit anything until now. I'm so ready to get this manuscript as close to perfect and see if anyone out there thinks it's worthy of publishing. I know there is always the self-publishing route, but I am completely dedicated to taking this traditional publishing path and seeing where it leads. Plus, once that book is out on submission, I can start compiling the beta reader notes on my second book, and maybe even start writing the third (but I don't want to get ahead of myself.)
Also this year, I'm also creating the goal to grow my writing community. To that end, I'm starting a podcast about writing with my best writing friend, Maddy. I've talked about her a lot and the writing group she started. We have a lot of ideas on writing and want to be able to share them with the community. She already has a strong following on TikTok and I have my semi-consistent readership on here. So, I'll be sure to keep you posted when the first podcast drops.
My fourth goal of the year is to continue submitting short stories and trying for publications. It's difficult trying to focus on my novels and short stories, but I know it will help to get some more publications on my resume when submitting my manuscript, or trying to get another job at a university. While I love teaching online, I'd like to get back into the classroom eventually. I think that continuing to submit stories is one of the best ways for me to keep my head in the game, and stay active in the greater writing community.
Lastly, that goal which is going to be most difficult to commit to, but I'm hoping to achieve, is to write twice a week. Whether it's working on my novel, submitting stories, writing this blog, or jotting down notes in my journal, I want to stay focused on this creative pursuit and not let it become a passing hobby. I know this is going to be difficult as my family grows, but that's also why I think it's so important to set my intentions now.
I've never made a vision board, but I know a lot of people who have. I feel like this bingo card and list of goals are a little like that. It's hung over my desk so I see it every day and am reminded of the things I'm working towards this year. I know I'll accomplish some of them, giving myself little freebies along the way to stay motivated, but I'm also really reaching for some. 2024 is going to bring a lot of challenges, a lot of changes, and hopefully a lot of cheer.
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