When I do this post every year, it's really just to look forward and consider what I intend to work on for the year. The goals are fluid, and can be changed or replaced at any time. I don't believe in resolutions for the new year, so much as using this time period to narrow my plans.
First, my submissions for the year:
I submitted 51 stories.
I received 43 rejections.
I pulled 9 stories from submission for various stories (including magazines appearing to have gone under and no longer responding to queries.)
I placed 9 stories.
I released my first solo collection of short stories!
I ended the year with 9 stories still out on submission.
Apparently, the number for the year was 9. Here's hoping I beat that number this year.
My goals for the year were:
- Write
a short story or flash piece each week (this is majorly pushing it for me,
but I'm going to try.) hahahahahahahahaha!
Read at least one book each week.Some weeks I got more than one in.- Finish
Novel #3. Not quite.
Start Novel #4.Continue submitting short stories (aim for 100 rejections and 12 acceptances.)Marking it off because I did submit consistently, though I didn't reach the goals of 100 and 12.Write short stories in at least three genres.Write more nonfiction.- Query
craft book. Not yet. I've been debating self-publishing it instead.
Self-publish short story collection.Evaluated Novel #1 to see if I want to pursue or trunk (though it's obviously trunked for now.)Take more pictures.Send workshop proposals to one conference new to me.
My goals for 2019 are:
- Finish novel #3
- Finish novel #4
- Make a decision on the craft book
- Write at least 1 short story each month
- Continue to explore other genres/styles
- Go to one new conference/convention
- Put out another collection
- Take more pictures
- Hike more
- Query novel #2
8 comments:
Your response to your first goal from last year made me chuckle.
Still good numbers for last year. Shows that it's all a numbers game.
Good luck with your submissions and goals for the year.
9 is your magic number. This year ends in 9 - maybe it's a sign?
I love the two Cthulhu covers.
I always enjoy reading your goal updates - they motivate me to try to do more.
My writing goals for 2018 went pretty well though I've discovered I had to drop some "fun stuff" to prioritize writing. This quarter I'm re-outlining and re-writing my first novel. It was horrible (but ya gotta start somewhere, right?), but I still like the premise.
Have a productive, fun 2019!
You had a good year! You did fantastically with the short stories. I started off the year with good intentions in that realm, but faltered. I need to organize my unpublished short stories and start sending them out again. Good luck this year! :)
I like how you come up with such specific goals. It makes it easier to keep track of. Good luck with your plan.
Hi Shannon - good luck with the books ... Blue Sludge Blues is such an interesting title. While your life is well planned ... and you can help us - cheers Hilary
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