Some of us want to write more, and more, and more in 2013. Others would write less, but well. Some of us would like to become famous writers. Yet others would like to hit that jackpot deal with publishers. Many of us would like to win that literary prize or at least see our names in print in that journal that never publishes anyone. Others would just like to go viral no matter what the subject matter.
All good.
But when we think through the parts of the big plan, what New Year’s resolutions might be useful?
I. What are my goals? Will I focus on publishing an E-book? Will I work hard at getting a piece traditionally published? By the end of the year, do I want one/ more than one complete book/s done? Do I want to complete several small pieces of writing? Shall I use this year as a stepping stone towards traditional publishing? Shall I streamline my writing towards some group of magazines or journals?
II. How will I prioritize and balance different writing projects? Is writing a hobby for me? Am I working towards some other goal through writing such as a job as a copywriter or freelancer or something else? Am I writing a big project such as a book or shorter pieces for blogs, articles, reviews etc.? If I have several writing related goals, how will I prevent myself from getting obsessed with just the one project and slip-up on the others? [typically, people get sucked into doing the projects that have quicker, short-term returns lagging behind on the big projects]
III. What time of the day will I write? How will I achieve work (writing)-life balance? This is a very important question writers have to ask themselves. Writing is a labour of love for most people. Typically, it does not pay or pay enough to justify its existence. Also, for some people, the writing impetus seems to disappear the moment it’s seen as work, not a hobby. So it’s important to make realistic goals regarding the amount of time one will be able to set aside to write in the day so that disappointment does not lead to drying up of the wellspring of inspiration.
IV. How many words a day? A week? A month? In the whole year? To some of us, deciding on the number of words might seem like the crass intrusion of the quantifiable demands of the outside world into the holy sanctum of the muse’s abode. But unfortunately, writing is a real, not an ideal act. If the number of words does not suit you as a method of measurement of your goals, find a different parameter that suits you– say the number of ideas you wanted to successfully put down as stories/ blogs/ essays–whatever else.
V. Do I have a social resolution? Before those private journal writers, or those ivory tower practitioners, or those bathroom-singer-equivalent-poets turn up their noses at this one, let me tell you that all writing is social. Writing is all about making meaning in a social semiotic system. No system, no writing. Writing cannot exist meaningfully without others surrounding you. Do you have a plan for your writing self this year to make a mark within people around? Do you want to develop a brand? A network? A readership? A group? Do you have any plans for doing that this year?
Whew! That seems like a lot.
Let’s focus on realistic goals this year breaking down the above points in any way it suits us and hope the pot of gold will still be waiting for us at the end of the rainbow even though the multicoloured arc seems rather slippery right now.
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