I start thinking about my annual goal setting in October each year. It’s about that time of year that I’m ready to dust everything off and start again. I don’t actually start doing anything in October but the thoughts start rolling around. Really, my actual planning should start in November so I can finish off the year relaxed and start the following year the same but often I’m scrabbling in January to get it all done.
This year I feel like I have a lot of processes in place ready to go, I just have to do the work and follow through on all the lovely planning. I also want to set myself some clear goals with deadlines as I think I have floundered a bit in the last couple of years.
Here goes for 2023.
- Read 6 x non-fiction books.
Learning and development is something that falls to the bottom of the list and then off the list. I love the idea of reading non-fiction books and I always have several lying around but I never get to them. I will pick up a fiction book or a graphic novel every time over the non-fiction. So, I need to give myself a bit of direction on this and have said I want to read six non-fiction books by the end of the year. I have short list of what I want them to be and when I need them read by. - Write two books using my new schedule.
I have been working on a writing schedule over the past twelve months, noting how long each step in my writing process takes in hours but also in days and weeks with life thrown in. Using this data I think I can two books each year by moving between writing and editing and marketing and back to writing again. I have a tendency to schedule and plan and colour code beautiful spreadsheets and then never do anything with them. The fun for me is always in the planning. This year that planning has to be put into action. - Develop my understanding further of beat writing.
I have done a lot of reading and research on the structure of story including the fifteen beat structure. This makes sense to me and now when I read books and watch movies I can’t help but note the stages and marvel that a midpoint happens at exactly the middle of all stories every time. However I can tend to get shallow grasp of things and then go, “Yup, I’ve got it from here.” without really delving into it deeply and understanding every nuance. I want to delve deeper with beat writing and fully understand it. - Nail social media.
Social media plays an important role in any author platform. I know this. I know the facts around it. I know it’s required and I can absolutely see its value. However, it’s not a natural task for me. I’ve never been a big poster as I’m never really sure what to post and why would anyone want to hear from me anyway? I have to get over this hurdle but I also have to make it work for me. I won’t be happy if it’s something I have to do every day but I also won’t be happy if it’s something that hangs over me ‘needing to be done.’ Big change has to happen here. - Give more in my newsletter
I really enjoy doing my newsletters but I want to make sure I’m actually giving something of value. Adding a section for goal setting and talking about writing process would add value for me and hopefully my subscribers. - Take small steps on a new project.
Okay, I’m a being purposely a bit vague on this one as I’m not quite ready to let on what it is yet but the key is I’m going to take some steps towards it. Watch this space!