This is the time of year I start to think about my goals for the coming year. They don't change all that much, there is always at least one goal that includes finishing a book or two, always a goal that has to do with reading a certain number of books.This year, however, my goals are shifting a little in their focus because this year brings me closer to the publication of my first traditionally published book with Orbit Books, Blood Rights. (It's not a YA, but I think those that like vampires would enjoy it and find it appropriate.)
Now my goals are going to include things like sussing out the best cons to go to - FantasyCon? WorldCon? ComicCon? - and making decisions about which ones I'll attend. It will also include the goal of finalizing my decision about whether or not to use a publicist and if so, which one to chose.
Regardless of these changes, my goals will be made. A year without goals has no focus and without focus, I run the risk of meandering through the days with no real purpose. Goals. Are. Important. I can't stress that enough.
One last thought - goals and dreams are two very different things. Writing a book in a year is a goal. Getting that book published is a dream. Why? Because you can control the writing, but you can't control whether or not an editor likes your work and wants to buy it. Goals are things you can influence, dreams are things that require the influence of someone else.
So. What are some of your goals for 2010? Have you set goals in the past or not? Will you be setting goals this year?
I'll writing goals for 2010. Haven't yet, but I will.
ReplyDeleteLove your comments about the difference between goals and dreams. Very on target.
Let me know which other cons you go to. I'm considering other than RWA sponsored trips.
ReplyDeleteI actually don't set big goals or I sabotage myself. I do better with mini-goals. Writing 1k a day. Remembering to drink my water. That kind of thing.
I intend to:
ReplyDelete1. Finish my zombie YA.
2. Sub it all over the universe.
3. Get healthier (not skinner unless that just happens, but healthier).
4. Go back to my adult trilogy after I land the young adult thingie.
I don't have any big goals this year. Sure, I've promised myself to keep a cleaner house this year - which is pretty big for me - but for the most part, I'm just motoring along like I did last year.
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about the difference between dreams and goals. This writing thing for instance... Finishing book is something I have control over. Publishing that book is outside my control (unless I pay someone to do it). So, I decided to stop putting that on my list of goals. Instead, I'm just going to write the best stories and submission materials I know how, and hope for the rest. =o)