It might be a bit early for enacting New Year’s resolutions,
but is it ever too early to plan? I
decided on a strict set of goals for 2015 in regards my profession as a
writer.
Professional
Development
Provide developmental support for Curiosity Quills authors
and focus on my own talent development.
Objective 1: Expand writing resource pool and support
development of fellow authors by learning a new genre with a focus on young
adult.
• I will score three stars or higher on average ratings.
• I will create a short story on the newly learned genre of
young adult.
• I will submit the short story to an anthology.
• I will assist fellow writers with understanding the new
genre.
• I will communicate regularly with my agent, including
monthly check-in meetings to ensure I’m on the right track.
• Draft team-writing schedule with a critique partner to
create a story in the new genre.
Objective 2: Continue to strengthen and develop writing
skills.
• Review best practices for writing through Internet sites,
such as critiquecircle.com.
• Enhance the skill of influence to create powerful
paragraphs.
• Utilize critique partners for constructive feedback.
• Study and practice through exercises, projects, and online
classes to improve my skills.
• Encourage fellow authors, in particular members of the
Utica Writers Club.
Objective 3: Produce new Creative Writing Workshops to
support the community and enhance my teaching skills.
• Polish “How to Write a Query Letter.”
• Polish “How to Write a Synopsis.”
• Polish “Foreshadowing.”
• Polish “Editing Skills.”
• Polish “Engaging the Senses.”
• Polish “How to Land a Literary Agent.”
• Polish “How to Gain a Publisher.”
• Use feedback to revamp current workshops.
• Co-facilitate workshops with fellow authors.
Enhance Business
Mindset
Transform the Utica Writers Club with better delivery skills
and materials.
Objective 1: Support the implementation of internal member
workflows.
• Revamp current bylaws.
• Create bylaws for new officer positions.
• Work with local authors to create a stronger network.
• Keep the website updated.
New material must be added within one week.
• Enhance advertising skills.
• Host at least one bestselling author per year.
Maintain the Business
Continue to connect with readers and fellow writers through
the use of social media.
Objective 1: Update my blog.
• Post a personal message once a week.
• Blog about book for Bethany House, Kregel, etc.
• Host cover reveals and blog tours for fellow authors.
• Host contests.
• Review books for fellow authors.
• Participate in blog hops.
Objective 2: Update Facebook author page.
• Host contests.
• Post three times a week.
Objective 3: Update Twitter author page.
• Utilize hashtags.
• Post three times a week.
Objective 4: Update Google+
• Post at least 3 times a week.
Objective 5: Update Pinterest.
• Add a photo album for each published book.
• Add a picture to each album at least once a week.
Objective 6: Update website.
• Keep information up-to-date.
• Act upon constructive feedback.
• Create a contest for each book.
Assimilation
Assimilate into Curiosity Quills Press.
Objective 1: Build a strong professional relationship with
Curiosity Quills Press.
• Communicate regularly with the Curiosity Quills team
whenever I have questions, comments, or concerns.
• Organize joint book signings.
• Attend conferences.
• Offer support to fellow authors as needed.
Objective 2: Enhance my relationship with my literary agent.
• Discuss anthology and magazine opportunities.
• Discuss future novels.
Objective 3: Compile a new anthology.
• Work with readers and authors to see what anthology they
would like.
Personal Development
Objective 1: Write two new novels in 2015.
• Write a new story based on a new idea.
• Write a new installment in the Treasure Chronicles series.
Objective 2: Publish short stories in anthologies.
• Continue to submit to Horrified Press anthologies.
Objective 3: Broaden my knowledge of writing through
volunteer options.
Objective 4: Establish a strong network among my readers and
peers.
