That's right. A mission AND a choice of whether or not to accept it. Sound familiar? (Please pretend it doesn't.)
My 2011 mission, should I choose to accept it is: To Write A Good Novel.
That's it. I know, I know. It sounds boring, or like I'm sandbagging. It's not, and I'm not.
Over the course of the next year, I will likely start three novels, write a novella and three short stories, critique the equivalent of four novels for five distinct humans, blog irregularly, jump in and out of forums, take part in at least eight monthly blog chains, read twenty-five+ published books and twenty+ published short stories, work forty hours each week minus eight holidays, up-bring my toddler, frequently think about working out, occasionally actually work out, go on vacation, (possibly) attend a writing workshop, go outdoors at least once, lunch with friends, cook dinners and dine with family, and maybe - just maybe - write a good novel.
I believe I will choose to accept this.
Now, before this message self-destructs, what's your 2011 mission?
Love this post, Hillary. My 2011 mission is rather similar to yours. I want to write a solid draft. This is the third time I try to crack this story, and while I feel I get close to the heart every time, I would like to finish 2011 with a solid board from which to work onward.
ReplyDeleteAlso, wow, you are busy!
Rather than resolutions, I'm working with a theme for 2011. It's the slow down, no pressure year for me. More writing, exercising, sleeping, reading, and less everything else. Writing plan: 2 novels, 4 short stories.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to all of us in the coming year.
I have a mission. It's a ridiculous one: 1 YA trilogy and 2 adult novels. Yep, yep, yep ... I'm crazy, but I did accept. Luckily, I have 4 of the 5 stories lined up in my head and are ready to go ... just need to find the time, like you <-- ie lack of work, family, life interruptions to make it happen. :)
ReplyDelete::cheers:: to 2011!! Make it a great one!
Ps ... I'm just going to stop trying to think about maybe working out. On that I seem to fail tremendously. :)
Happy New Year!
I'd like to just finish the novels (5 of 'em, but only one beyond first draft) I started in 2010, actually make that 6 if you count the anthology of short stories one of my alter-egos just started (argh!!!). That would be a HUGE accomplishment for me! Hopefully A round of words in 80 days will give me the necessary kick to make a dent.
ReplyDeleteThese missions range from admirable to amazing! Perhaps I should have written an open letter to muses everywhere, advising them to eat their Wheaties in preparation for 2011.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. MY mission is NOT to make goals that are beyond my control and DO what I can do (ie I CAN write my best, I can't control what kind of contract offer I get).
ReplyDeleteMy mission is to finish my college applications before the deadline and get accept to them. Also, I'm crossing my fingers that I get that scholarship I apply for. As for writing, I have some ideas I have been playing around for while with. Maybe I flesh out my minor characters a bit more.
ReplyDeleteFor 2011:
ReplyDelete--Write the next 6 episodes of KAT AND MOUSE, and at the same time try to stay at least a month ahead before posting (already starting to concern me and episode 1 of the new season hasn't even posted yet).
--Write 2-3 non-serial shorts
--Sell Season One of KAT AND MOUSE to an agent and/or small pub(probably wishful thinking given the format but we'll see
"My 2011 mission, should I choose to accept it is: To Write A Good Novel."
ReplyDeleteI wish that I could say the same thing about 2011. Sadly, I have to try for my health and earn some money through Blogging.
Health, college and things within our control. All wonderful goals.
ReplyDeleteAce, you do have more of a challenge than most, but you've also got a stellar product. :D