I'm trying to be focused with my writing goals this year, so I only have four. Here's what I hope to accomplish this year:
- Finish my novel! This is year #2 that I've been working on the novel that I'm currently writing. I've changed my writing schedule, and changed it again due to the typical issues that revolve around balancing work and other life events with writing. I'm hoping to be done with the first draft of the manuscript sometime in the middle of the year or by the end of the summer.
- Submit short stories to at least 2 literary magazines. According to one of the Algonquin Books editors who spoke at BookMarks 2015, publishers like to see prospective authors publish their work in literary magazines prior to seeking publication through their companies. I would like to start freelancing for magazines again this year as well, but my focus is going to lean more toward getting my creative work in these literary publications.
- Publish my poetry collection. I've been posting poems every now and then, usually weekly, on this blog, but I think I'd like to just go ahead and publish all of my current poetry in one volume. I've written over 100 poems from middle/high school until now that will be included in this collection. I'm going to look for agents and publishers, but I'm considering self publishing as well. We'll see!
- Attend at least one writing event per month. Like any other profession, networking is an important key to becoming successful as a writer, so this year, I plan to be very deliberate about the events that I attend learn more about the craft and meet other writers. I moved to a new area back in October which complicates this goal somewhat, but I've never had a problem with traveling to events that I feel are important to my growth. I'm working on a list of events I'd like to go to. If you know of any that you think I need to check out please let me know!
What are your writing goals for 2016?