ROW80-1 -2014 Goals and objectives
January 06, 2014
Another year, and another set of ROW80’s. Once again time to reflect on lifetime goals, goals for the year, and short-term SMART objectives for the next 80 days.
My writerly goal is the same as last year – to become a better writer. I like writing, and do want to keep learning about the craft, practising, and improving. Positive feedback is a bonus, especially when it’s in the form of book sales. As before, my main non-writerly goal is to stay healthy enough to be able to enjoy life and keep on writing. That means some exercise, some attention to diet, social links with friends and family, and just getting out and exploring life.
The real challenge for me will be trying to fit all this in, and keeping a good balance. No more for me the long – and relatively empty – days of retirement.
Now to the specifics. Last November I published my first novel, Kirk’s Landing, via a small local publisher that focuses on first time authors. My novel is up on various sites, including Amazon, iBooks, and Smashwords, but the challenge now is to market it – via social media and local events like book signings. Book two in the series is already written, and waiting to be edited. After that I’ll need to find an agent and a publisher for it. In addition, I want to keep writing – Flash Fiction, as well as another NaNoWriMo novel next November. I’d also like to reformat some of my Flash Fiction for publication, but that will have to wait for later in the year. Maybe ROW80-3.
So, here are my objectives for the next 80 days:
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Publishing
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Edit second novel, KL-2. This means print the first draft, grab a red pen, and do some high level editing. Then back online to adjust structure, characters, setting, scene breaks, dialogue, etc. Several passes. Then export for beta readers, and more changes. Then an external copy/proof reading pass and will be ready to start sending to agents and publishers.
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Continue to market first book, KL-1. Get FB page up over 100 likes, and do a promotional post once a week.
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Writing
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One Flash Fiction a week. Will use Terrible Minds site, or some old Flash Fiction Friday prompts that Joyce saved.
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ROW80 check in's - Sunday and Wednesday morning
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Book clubs - have two a month, to read and critique
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How to write - keeping up to date with writer/editor/publisher blogs I follow, reading how-to books
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Other
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Daily yoga and core strengthening exercises - have a set routine for each. Plus walks in the neighbourhood.
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Band - rehearsal Tuesday nights, practice 1/2 hr a day.
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Other entertainment. Books – add another two a month. Movies/series – try not to binge watch!
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I also plan to drop in a few days a week at the coffee shop on the corner, to my local for beer, music, and conversation, and visit my grandkids.
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Travel – Somewhere. More day trips once it warms up out there, Newfoundland still looks attractive too. Bring pen, camera/iPhone, and a beer mug, get a cheap room for a few weeks.
all sounds good to me - must look up your book on smashwords. All the best with the marketing.
Posted by: alberta ross | January 06, 2014 at 04:22 PM
Good luck with your goals; and especial good luck with the not-binge-watching. I've recently found out that Netflix will let you go from episode to episode of a series automatically which is going to be murder on my sleep schedule, I just know it...
Posted by: Kathy | January 06, 2014 at 08:53 PM