Why not jump on the New Year’s Resolution bandwagon? One of the most difficult things for most new writers is finding ways to keep writing in the forefront when one is being pulled in so many different directions. To be successful, however, it is important to keep the process moving.
The number one resolution for all writers must be, of course, WRITE! We must find ways to keep ourselves moving our work forward. There are two aspects of writing I intend to emphasize this year. The first is focusing attention to the craft itself. Setting concrete, reachable goals is important. I have been focusing on revisions recently and intend to continue to do so in 2012. In addition, I will research some books on the writing craft itself and read at least two of them. Educating oneself in the craft is extremely important. The second aspect of writing is the one that is the most fun, the one that draws us to it, producing our work. More specifically, I am going to try and have five stories completed by the end of the summer. In a previous blog, I mentioned having a book of them completed, but I am becoming more accepting of the fact, it is not going to happen. Resetting deadlines is something I struggle with but it is a necessity.
Another major goal for 2012 is to attend a few local writers’ workshops. I have already completed preliminary searches on Long Island and will attend a few in the hopes of getting more involved. It is important to become a part of the writers’ community and this will be my first foray into it.
In a previous blog I mentioned the fact that new writers need to approach their pursuit with some recognition of the business side. A small budget is essential if one is seriously considering pursuing the profession of writing. Within my resolutions for 2012 are goals requiring some capital outlay. One major one is attending a writer’s conference. One impetus for this blog was attending the Writer’s Digest conference last year. Since I don’t have the funds to attend that one and another, I will spend time researching one that would make sense and attend it. Another goal on the business side is continual update and development of this site. I can’t emphasize enough what a great experience developing it has been and I can already see why so many people emphasize having a platform as integral part of the beginning writer’s learning experiences.
Here are some of my main New Year’s Resolutions for 2012. If you are a new writer and trying to figure out what yours are, consider a few of the following:
· Spend time learning the craft
· Make sure you move your work forward
· Get involved in the local writing community
· Consider attending a Writer’s Conference
One of the benefits of setting goals is to keep you focused on what you need to do. In future posts, I’ll report back on how I am doing with reaching mine. Feel free to do the same!
