Dear Me,
Before I launch into the goals for 2014, I
think I need to reflect on 2013 and its successes and failures. 2013 was a year of highs and lows. The same day I signed my first
publishing contract, I lost my job.
Luckily I managed to find a new job within a few weeks, so it wasn’t a
huge problem financially, but after over eight years in the one place, being
told to leave hurt.
But on the upside, I have a published book
now! Or will on January 3rd. And that launches me into the first of
my goals for 2014.
I will do whatever I can to make An Unstill Life a success. I don’t expect to make a fortune, of
course, but the idea that my book will be available to readers is a thrilling
one, and I want to make sure as many readers as possible discover Livvie’s
story. I’m uncomfortable about
promoting myself, so doing publicity for my novel will definitely take me
outside my comfort zone.
Last year I wrote a book called
STUMPED. It’s YA, but deals with
sex and disability in a way I’ve never seen in YA literature before. I love this book. It’s my favorite of all the titles I’ve
written and I really want it out in the world. I stopped querying when I got the contract for An Unstill Life because my writing time
was suddenly taken up with revisions and edits and copy edits. In 2014 I will resume querying this one
and hopefully will find an agent brave enough to take me (and Ozzy) on.
I got 50K into a new book last year. It’s title-less right now, so I’m
calling it Lana. It’s not the best thing I’ve written,
but there are definitely some things I like about it. In 2014 I will finish this story, revise it and throw it
into the hands of my critique group to figure out how to polish it up.
While they sink their teeth into that one,
I have a new story idea just itching to get out. It’s based on something that my new boss has been involved
with over the past few months, and I think it could be very interesting, not to
mention emotionally draining. It’s
hard not to get too excited about new ideas, but I really want to finish Lana before I start this one.
My critique groups are the best thing that
ever happened to me, and I plan to be far more active in them this year. With all the excitement and deadlines
that rushed at me with my publishing contract, I don’t feel like I have been
giving my CPs nearly the time they deserve. So even if it’s just one review a week, I’ll become more
active in my groups again.
I’m not quite sure how I managed it, but I
read 165 published books last year.
I did write less than I have in previous years, so I imagine that’s how
I did it. This year I plan to
finish two novels as a writer, so I’m only going to shoot for 150 books
read. We shall see how that
goes. My bus ride to work is
shorter now, so my reading time is a little more limited than it has been…
On a personal level, I will continue my
regular trips to the gym. Between
them and the steep uphill walk to work each day, I figure I’m in the best shape
of my life. But that doesn’t mean
I get to be complacent. I could
still stand to lose 5-10Kg…
Well, that’s about it for now. I’ll check back mid-year to track my
progress, and then again as 2015 begins sneaking toward us all.
Happy New Year! And may you reach all your goals for 2014.
Love, Me.
Do you have any goals or aspirations for the new year?
Go Kate, you really seem to be on a roll of progress. I've just Kindle purchased Instill Life. I have 3 library books ahead but will probably have my feelings for you in February. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a letter, more thoughtful than a straight list. My two life goals are to stay fit and healthy and make time for family and friends. My writing goals are to finish publishing a series with Prism Book Group and complete a manuscript and query it, Plus I need to read more.
ReplyDeleteGod luck in 2014, Kate!
Very ambitious goals. Best of luck with them.
ReplyDeleteMy goals are to exercise and eat healthy.
I have YA novel almost ready to submit, and about three other stories in my head or in rough draft to work on. Should be a busy year. :)
Sounds like you did pretty good :). 165 books! That's impressive.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your 2014 goals. I think I'll be able to meet mine, if I don't chicken out.
That's a great set of goals, and knowing you, they're all do-able. I'm afraid that if I want to write a novel this year, I'll have to do less with the group. Well, maybe you can pick up the slack! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, 165 books read is a huge amount! My goal for this year is 35, which would be the highest yet for me.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your goals for 2014 x