Do you do New Year’s resolutions? I suck at keeping to them so more power to you if you do. But whilst they might not be for me, I am a fan of setting goals for the year ahead. Last year I focused on my blog and saw my best year in all my stats. I’m so proud that I now have over 600 followers. It’s a teeny-tiny drop in a vast blogging ocean but it means a lot to me. So thanks to all of you, I hope my stuff keeps you interested!
But back to this brand spanking new year. I thought I’d share my 2020 goals to motivate me to achieve them. And perhaps spur on others to be bold and set a few of their own.
1) Read more books
Yeah, yeah I know, you have to read if you want to write, right? In my defense, I did actually read a lot last year but mostly articles, blogs, and magazines. I found it difficult to find the time to get absorbed into books. And, when I did find a spare hour or two, I reached for my old favourites rather than trying something new. So this is a double goal to a)read more books and b)read more diverse books. I’ve got three second-hand ones stacked on the bedside table ready to go so hopefully I’m on my way. I might try to get back into Goodreads to help with this. If you’re on there, come and say hello.
2) Complete the first draft of the first “Cauldron Trilogy” book
I started planning my new trilogy in February 2018 and it took six months to finish the prep work. Since then drafting the first book has been a bit up and down. My tactic of writing it scene by scene has, for the most part, been successful. But it has also been slow-going due to my lack of experience juggling so many characters and plotlines. Despite this, when I recently took stock, I was happy to see I’d actually completed the first act and was on my way to completing the second. Of course, it’s horrific as all first drafts are. My inner, very vocal perfectionist hates most of what I write and I’ve yet to be able to gag her completely. I just have to ignore her and plow on to get to the good bit – editing.
3) Get more art
This isn’t directly related to writing or reading but it is about creativity. I’ve been in my home two years now and I still have ridiculously bare walls in the living area and bedrooms. Overall my decor is pretty muted because I like my furniture and decorations to stand out. But the walls are so depressingly bare it still looks a bit like a rented home. So I need more artwork of any variety to hang up. If you’ve got any suggestions for artists or websites that sell affordable pieces online, please let me know in the comments!
So that’s three – and it could go up! What do you think? Do you have any goals (writing or otherwise) for 2020? Let me know in the comments! And Happy New Year!
05/01/2020 at 8:21 PM
I’m definitely planning for this to be the year I finally finish polishing the final draft of my manuscript and get to querying. Good luck with all your goals!
07/01/2020 at 7:29 AM
Thanks! Good luck with yours. The final polish is both fun and scary!
06/01/2020 at 10:28 AM
Happy New Year, Rachel!
Still trying to adjust to widowhood, but I’d like to get any or all of the five wips I have completed edited and published before year’s end. It good to have dreams, huh? 😀
07/01/2020 at 7:32 AM
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope this year is a better one for you. And yes it’s always good to have dreams.
07/01/2020 at 6:38 PM
Thank you. 😌
06/01/2020 at 1:55 PM
Happy New Year! I know both art.com and etsy and good places to find unique artwork/photographs (not sure on affordability. Kinda a depends on what artist/seller you buy from).
07/01/2020 at 7:34 AM
Hi, thanks for the recommendation! I’d not heard of art.com (although really it seems like and obvious place to start!) I’ll try Etsy too, hadn’t thought of that.
06/01/2020 at 3:25 PM
I’ve similar goals -though obviously not to write your book. Good luck!
07/01/2020 at 7:36 AM
Hey if you want to write my book that’s fine by me 😁. It’s a lot like herding cats atm! Good luck with your goals for this year too!
07/01/2020 at 1:09 AM
I read 27 books last year. If I can equal that I’ll be happy. Currently, I’m drafting a novel, “Fallen Leaf Rising,” that, in truth, is so personal it may never see the light of day. I’m also editing Riparia’s Bk2, “A River in Each Hand” (I edit early in the morning before work and draft in the evening). After “River” I’ll make a pass through Bk3, “So Others Might Remember.” There’s also a rewrite of “Essence Stone” planned and I’ll draft another Riparia novel in November (4 of 5) during NaNo. Probably I’ll draft short stories in December. All of that is comparable to what I accomplished this year so it should be possible.
09/01/2020 at 6:34 PM
Is that all 😁 Tell me when do you sleep!? A very impressive roster of work you’ve got there, good luck with it!
12/01/2020 at 1:13 AM
Thanks. You can probably guess what my social life doesn’t look like. I also only work part-time. I have problems like everyone else, but available time on any given day isn’t one of them.