Comments on: What Action Will You Take Today?

By: Mary E. DeMuth

Mary E. DeMuth — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 23:38:37 +0000

I wrote a bit about some goals/aspirations for 2008 to help folks get published. If you’re having a hard time framing a goal or task, maybe the short article will give you a few ideas. The permalink is http://aratus.typepad.com/tma/2008/01/happy-new-write.html

With joy,
Mary

By: Anna

Anna — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 03:34:27 +0000

Finish the novel,for real.

By: Lynda

Lynda — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 03:47:06 +0000

Finish my synopsis, attend a writers’ conference, meet people, sell my novel, get a new wardrobe for Oprah, Leno, etc.

By: Camille

Camille — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 07:21:17 +0000

I’ve been blessed with a scholarship to attend Mt Hermon in March, and as a new writer, my goals are to survive 5 days of soaking up a sea of information while watching my own head spin—a very cool party trick—and keeping something foot-obstructive in my mouth until I get back home.

The Writer’s View challenged us to set attainable, tangible goals for the year, ones that you could account for if others in your group dared to ask at year’s end.

Mary DeMuth shared a “S.M.A.R.T.” post (at least I thought it was Mary, I can’t find it now…) which I used to make my list. I probably shot a hair low to be safe, but at least I know I can do it and can have no reason to wimp out.

It’s tougher than you’d think to write out goals that can be measured. I had to rack the little writing part of my brain to find words that weren’t general, relative, or something that ounded like a Hallmark card.

Ditto Randy—I detest new year resolutions. Thanks for the sound, realistic advice.

Sorry for the double adjectives, Mary. It’s a pet habit I plan to slay this year.

By: Charlotte Babb

Charlotte Babb — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:29:29 +0000

My goal for today is to outline my protag’s journey through the second novel. It’s a big goal for me, but using y-writer-2 last night did show me that at least one section of what I wrote won’t fit in this book. Bummer, but at least now I know.

If any readers live in the Southeast, Check out the 32nd annual Southeastern Writers conference, June 15-20. It’s been called the Maui of the South.
http://southeasternwriters.com

By: Lynn

Lynn — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:09:19 +0000

My Big Goal is something I’ve been working on in over the past year - to get a manuscript ready for the Mount Hermon Conference to propose to a literary agent. I’ve taken several steps toward getting that manuscript ready but currently I am completing other commitments to clear the plate for one more go at the proposal.

By: Eleyne Presley

Eleyne Presley — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:02:37 +0000

Regular, daily writing. Which should result in at least two completed novel drafts. Time is not an issue for me, but using it well is. Completing projects is another goal for the year. I’m a great starter, but need some motivation to be a finisher.

By: Pam Halter

Pam Halter — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:24:57 +0000

I’ve set down goals … kind of like a TO DO list.

* Write the second book in my middle grade fantasy trilogy
* Attend a writing retreat in January
* Attend Mt. Hermon in March
* Write the picture book series on working dogs I started months ago
* Continue to participate on writing blogs
* Give some time to help beginning writers when I have the chance
* Pray more regarding my writing direction
* Hopefully sign with an agent (I’m still waiting to hear!)
* Attend the Philly conference in August
* Continue to attend the two writer’s groups I’m a member of
* Read good books
* Take advantage of writing opportunities

It looks like a lot, but I believe these are attainable goals for me. I will print them out and tape them to my desk so I can see them everyday. And I’ll remember that I don’t have to accomplish them in the month of January! I have a whole year.

By: Carla Stewart

Carla Stewart — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:46:46 +0000

Hi Randy, I didn’t realize how much I missed your daily insights until you took a Christmas break. So glad that you are back. Another observation. What you say on here must be soaking in because I find that I think now in terms of the BIG goal, followed by what I want to do on a daily basis. I’ve also posted a piece on setting goals on my blog (www.carlastewart.blogspot.com) called GET SMART (a takeoff on Mary’s earlier advice).
A new year? A great time to take action. Keep up the good work.

By: Pam Halter

Pam Halter — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:06:15 +0000

A friend just sent an article on setting goals. It’s really good.

http://www.nehemiahministries.com/goal4.htm

By: Lynda

Lynda — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:06:30 +0000

Wow! It looks like many are going to Mt. Hermon. See you there!

By: Lois Hudson

Lois Hudson — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:29:00 +0000

Today: I will reorganize my workspace to be free from distractions when I’m working on a project.

With the holiday extras–guests, celebrations, meetings, church activities–the “schedule” gets skewed. Setting the year’s goals comes next, but not today.

Today: I will reorganize my workspace…

Thanks for the encouragement, the inspiration, the motivation for staying connected.

Today: I will reorganize…

By: Robert Treskillard

Robert Treskillard — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:38:19 +0000

Randy,

Inspired by your last topic with Susan Meissner, about a week ago I setup a log where I am tracking my writing efforts.

I already have an estimate of how many words I have left to write, and so from that I have made the spreadsheet “Writing Log” calculate my predicted finish date.

Based on the progress I have made over the last week, it is predicting I will be finished on May 26th! That assumes that I write a little over 400 words a day, which should not be a hard goal to achieve. Obviously if I can go faster, that will be better, but just seeing that date motivates me to not let it slip and to keep plugging away.

I have been slowed down doing plot-rework during December, so it is really exciting to be back writing again.

Thanks for the inspiration, Randy!

By: Aimeestates

Aimeestates — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:54:23 +0000

I subscribed to your newsletter!

By: Sally Ferguson

Sally Ferguson — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 21:15:46 +0000

I made 12 phone calls today to build my speaking platform!

By: bonne friesen

bonne friesen — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:06:02 +0000

My writing goals for this year include:

1. Reading through Randy’s recommended book list for writers (I got them ALL for Christmas!). One chapter a day first time through.

2. Daily writing or re-working scenes from my Nano novel, trying to apply what I’m learning

3. Going to the Surrey International Writing conference this October (first conference ever, hoping for Mount Hermon in 09)

4. Continuing contact with writing buddies

5. Having at least part of a manuscript ready to bring with me to SIWC and actually (gasp!) show an editor

6. Fiction 201

By: bonne friesen

bonne friesen — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:06:22 +0000

P.S.

Sally, you rock!

By: Paul D

Paul D — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:40:52 +0000

Anybody read “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Writing Christian Fiction” by Ron Benrey? If not, check it out!

By: Karla Akins

Karla Akins — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:24:53 +0000

My action for today to move me toward my big goal is to think of rewards for my family in exchange for their support in giving me time to write.

I am also going to finish reading POP by Sam Horn as recommended on this blog.

For the year:
[ ] Finish BREAKOUT NOVEL workbook.

[ ] Write consistently everyday for 1-3 hours (if possible with family obligations met first)

[ ] Take better care of myself physically, spiritually and emotionally.

I am toying with the idea of learning how to be a morning person. I have never been a morning person, but it seems to me to be the only way to squeeze in more writing time and “take care of me” time in terms of exercise, etc. I wonder if anyone here has ever been able to change from a night person to a morning person and if so, how did you do it?