Making Writing Goals

At the end of the year, any year for that matter, I like to look back and take stock of things as well as look forward and make some goals. I prefer the word “goal” to the word “resolution” as goal seems more positive and resolution always seems like you are trying to fix something.

I took a look back and decided that 2010 was a good year, writing wise. I had an article published and I managed to finish my work-in-progress (WIP) — although it is still in rough draft, first edition form. They were two small goals that I set out to accomplish and I am satisfied with that.

Goals are important as they are stars to reach for. To keep track of them, I write them down.

Here are my own writing goals for 2011:

• Rewrite, edit, polish current WIP. Repeat.
• Query agents when above is completed.
• Start new WIP when all the above is completed.
• Enter two short stories that I’ve written into contests or submit to magazines.

The other thing I like are lists. Lists are like mini-goals. Every morning at breakfast, I write a list of what I want to accomplish that particular day. There is a great sense of satisfaction in crossing things off a list. And when I write, I always have a list at hand either stating what I need to do that day or what I want to accomplish with my writing that day. My list could include the word count, the introduction of a new character or going back to what I’ve already written and changing a particular scene. Ultimately, my mini-goal lists help me work toward completing my yearly goals.

What kind of writing goals have you made for 2011?