I've Got Goals ... In Different Area Codes

A new year is a chance for a fresh start. You can release the bad parts of the previous year, like when the waitress said, ‘Enjoy your meal’ and you said, ‘You too.’ And you can embrace the good parts, like the fact that you spelled the word ‘probably’ right on the first try.

This year I'm trying to be intentional and focused. In March I will release my debut novel, Working Through It. When I decided to write a novel, I never really thought past that first book. What was the plan? Would this be a one and done and then on to the next item on my bucket list? What I realized is I enjoy writing and that I have a lot of stories I want to tell.

So, in the spirit of being intentional, I decided to outline my goals for 2022 so that I’d have a roadmap of what I need to accomplish this year. You know what? NEED is a strong word. Let’s go with HOPE. A roadmap of what I hope to accomplish this year.

Goal #1 – Publish my debut contemporary romance novel, Working Through It. The fact that I wrote a book and am about to publish it is still mind-blowing to me. With a March 15th release date, much of the first quarter of 2022 will be spent on promotion and then the launch. Promotion doesn’t stop on release day so I will continue to promote my book throughout the year. Insert a visual of me begging and pleading like a ‘90s R&B group here.

Goal #2 – Edit my second WIP. The first draft is completed. I’ve started working on my personal edits and then I need to find an editor. I’m going to try someone new for this book. When it comes to these book-writing streets, I’m single so I can date any editor I want. I don’t see no rings on these fingers. Editing tends to be the most expensive part of the self-publishing process and a good editor is not easy to find. I know I’ve been looking. I hope to test a few out this year and then pick an editor that is the right fit for me. Someone who I can hopefully work with long-term. I hope to release this book this year as well. So, fingers crossed

Goal #3 - Complete a Novella. I have a novella that is fully outlined with four chapters already written, my hope is to complete this one by mid-year. If I can also complete a Christmas novella and release it in 2022 I would be extremely happy, but that might conflict with the release of WIP 2. And I have a full-time job, so a second novella release is probably not doable.

Goal # 4 - Create a reader magnet. I don’t currently have any free content, so this is something I want to work on this year. Nothing is sparking my imagination for potential stories for a reader magnet. For now, that free content will have to be the first chapter except from Working Through It.

Goal # 5 - Read more books. Reading makes me happy, and it makes me a better writer. There are a bunch of books on my TBR list and a ton more on my Wishlist, so I plan to actively pursue this goal each month. Some of the books I’m looking forward to are Legendborn, Digging Up Love, and Verity, which are all sitting on my shelf looking at me as I type.

Do you set goals each year or do you play it by ear?