Happy New Year, everyone!
Since it’s the first week in January, I thought it would be beneficial to review my goals for the year. So, in random order…*drum roll please.*
1. Select a writing conference and attend.
2. Practice my guitar and piano.
3. Begin learning ukulele.
4. Paint 3 canvases.
5. Complete the rough draft of First Book by March 31st.
6. Complete revisions by June 31st.
7. Ready query letters and publisher packets by August 1st.
8. Finish prep-work for Second Book.
9. Blog at least once a week. (52)
Yup. There they are.
This week, I am making job decisions that will (hopefully) afford me more time to write. After all, that is the career goal. It seems a big step to apply for a new position. Actually filling out the paper work and creating a CV and cover letters and learning how express confidence without seeming self-absorbed… It’s making me get that funny feeling between my shoulder blades, and I’ve been catching myself biting my fingernails. After I turn everything in, I’ll be fine. Either it will happen or it won’t. It’s getting to that point when it is no longer in my hands…
So—writing!
I downloaded a trial version of Scrivener. I’m in love. If I wasn’t married, I would propose such an arrangement to the software. I moved all my files from Word to Scrivener, and discovered that I have approximately 30,000 words. I’m ecstatic. I think this is really going to help with the revision process. As far as the first draft, I love that I can visually measure my progress, and I love tangible confirmation that I am getting somewhere—butters my bread.
The bad news is I was unable to write as I had hoped over the Christmas break. Other “necessaries” were accomplished (Yay!), but I really hoped I would write a significant amount of text. I suppose, though, that any writing done is significant with two jobs, a family, and a budding career to nurture. Also, I was ill, which is a good excuse, but an excuse nonetheless.
At the end of the day, I’m still passionate, if a bit tired, but I’m reprioritizing aspects of my life in order to be productive and happy. I like this purposeful forward movement. Goals and I, we will be friends…even if I have to hog tie them and force them to concede to my will. Mua-ha-ha.
It’s going to be a good year.
Mea Smith 