Meeting Our Goals
I began 2011 with lofty writing goals. And broke those down into month-by-month goals.
How did I do for January?
I met almost every goal I set. The first goal I didn't meet was finishing the current draft I was working on with my WiP. However, I did finish that draft during the week. I don't think being a few days late is too bad for someone who hasn't had a structured writing path for more than a year.
It was good enough for me that I gave myself a quick pat on the back.
The other goal I missed was finding names for every main and secondary character in my next manuscript. Again, I came close.
Now I have new goals for February.
One of them is to see if I can increase my writing time by half an hour a day. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but it will take a little doing on my part. I have two ideas on how to accomplish this, so I'll have to experiment to find which works best. Or if neither works and I have to find another way. Or if I have to use both of them.
Another one is to decide on names for the three remaining nameless characters in my next manuscript. All males. And find a name for a business that involves food.
In addition, I want to complete the next draft of my WiP, but that's a HUGE goal all by itself. It may not be possible, but I'm going for it.
How about you?
How are you doing on your 2011 goals so far?
How did I do for January?
I met almost every goal I set. The first goal I didn't meet was finishing the current draft I was working on with my WiP. However, I did finish that draft during the week. I don't think being a few days late is too bad for someone who hasn't had a structured writing path for more than a year.
It was good enough for me that I gave myself a quick pat on the back.
The other goal I missed was finding names for every main and secondary character in my next manuscript. Again, I came close.
Now I have new goals for February.
One of them is to see if I can increase my writing time by half an hour a day. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but it will take a little doing on my part. I have two ideas on how to accomplish this, so I'll have to experiment to find which works best. Or if neither works and I have to find another way. Or if I have to use both of them.
Another one is to decide on names for the three remaining nameless characters in my next manuscript. All males. And find a name for a business that involves food.
In addition, I want to complete the next draft of my WiP, but that's a HUGE goal all by itself. It may not be possible, but I'm going for it.
How about you?
How are you doing on your 2011 goals so far?
Comments
I've met my hourly goals, but my output isn't what I'd hoped. I need to increase my writing time too, but 30 minutes isn't going to do it. Think I'll follow your example and start with 30 minutes then work my way up.
Joanne - I'm using my planner, which has both time and project goals, as well as a place for how I'll accomplish the goal. I also keep a separate to do list. Together it's all worked for a month. I have hope :)
VR - If this 30 minutes works without a big problem, I'm going to try for more time next month, too. I write like a turtle, but I've noticed that by having this schedule that my speed is picking up and I'm getting into flow more often. Good luck to you!
My plans were to return to novel peddling and 2nd novel. Instead, I spent all of January writing a short story I'm about to submit.
But I'm not going to sweat it. If I felt inspired to do this story then so be it. At least I did "something."
Zack. Okay, have no idea where that name came from, but it's the first male one I thought of.
Good luck on this month's goals.
I'm going to keep plugging away.
Terry
Terry's Place
Romance with a Twist--of Mystery
Many congrats on keeping on the straight and narrow. Despite my best intentions, I seem to spend far to much time off the road sitting in a lounge chair eating a cupcake.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Holly - I sometimes change them, too, but I absolutely must have them before I even begin on thinking about who they are.
Clarissa - That's how I feel, too. It's a good feeling.
LR - Exactly. Now get that story out there!
Tara - I truly don't know if I can do the draft in a month, but if I don't try, I won't know. The good thing is that with each draft there's less to do. This is #4. I'll post an update in March. I'm adding Zack to my possible name list :)
Lydia - You're still moving forward. That's what counts.
Jane - I needed accountability. This is giving it to me.
Karen - I absolutely love how different things work for each of us. And we never know what we say that will give someone a new idea or the help they need.
Talli - That's all good. Cool about being neater, too.
I didn't set a specific deadline for finishing my WIP, but I did set the goal of writing at least an hour a day, or longer. I am also doing some freelance editing, so I have structured my days to include time for that each day. So far, it is working out pretty well.
Alison - Good luck on your goals. Keep reaching for them.
Laura - I wouldn't bet on that, but I'm happy to share what I have. Here you go :)
Maryann - See...you have a plan that works for you. That's a big part of it.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Sounds like you've done well. Names are tricky for me. I can't just pull them out of a hat and some names need to have a particular meaning for me. Good luck finding the right ones!
I've emailed you about the CP thingy. You may not be up for it now. Not sure...
Denise:)
Words Crafter - Names are important for me, too. Mine don't usually require a specific meaning, but sound and feel are important for me.
L'Aussie - Exactly. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I'll check my email now.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Stephen - You're doing great! Fingers crossed for you on the contests.
So GREAT JOB!
Hart - Thanks. I'm getting better, but I'm still having difficulty in judging just how long it will take me to do some things.
Love and Peace.
love and peace back
I'm doing really good with my goals too! I even blogged about my progress. :)