While New Years resolutions aren’t for everyone, I like to step back at the start of my year and think about what my priorities for my writing life should be for the coming year. 2023 was a year of revisions, reading, and conventions. Sure, it was revising one manuscript twice, rather than making progress on other drafts, but otherwise, I kept my focus. My blog shrunk a little, and I left Twitter, but the rest of my social media grew.
This year? My focus is on writing, querying, and revisions!
As always, I like to set SMART goals –
- Specific – Which projects
- Measurable – Wordcount and page goals
- Achievable – Things I have control over — number of queries and pages, not ‘getting an agent’ or making (another) sale.
- Relevant – My health goals and day-job goals aren’t on this list, I’m keeping it writing-related.
- Time-sensitive – Obviously, these are intended to be completed in 2024, but some items may have specific dates associated.
So? Let’s take a look at this year’s list.
1. Writing
I want to finish drafting my second space fantasy by June, and write 50k toward a novel in November. Other writing goals? Draft at least one short story and 15 poems.
2. Querying & Submitting
I’m not sure if the publishing world has recovered from the pandemic slowdown, but I plan to query 10 agents and submit 5 short stories/poem collections a quarter.
3. Revising
I hope to get my 2nd space fantasy beta read this summer and then revised this fall. Additionally, I’ll revise at least one short story and start submitting it.
4. Reading
2023, my binge reading got away from me. My goal this year is to read 100 books, with an average of one a month being physical — even if it’s just a reread.
5. Blogging/Vlogging/Podcasting
You are my supporters, my community, and my friends. You cheer me on and watch me learn and grow. As always, blogging helps keep me out there, keeps me accountable, and gives me a way to give back to the community.
Plus? I haven’t missed a week on my blog since February of 2016 (although, I have done reruns) nor a vlog since I started vlogging on June 27, 2017. Here’s another streak to keep up. You’ll be seeing a new blog/vlog every Thursday with writing tips or writerly musings.
With the podcast and weekly Livestream. I plan on taking a week or so off between seasons, and no more than one livestream off a quarter (unless double-booked with a convention).
6. Conventions / Writing Groups
I hate breaking a streak, so I’m going to maintain my 2022 and 2023 goals: panel at 3+ conventions, attend 6+ open mic nights, 6+ monthly writer meetings, and 3 NaNoWriMo events. Plus? Staff Balticon.
I plan to be a panelist for Balticon again (May), I’m on the schedule for Imaginarium (July) again, I’ll likely be joining CapClave again, and the virtual Authortubers Writers Conference. Additionally, my current town is having a ScribbleCon in February. (As before, all of my panels were topics from this blog that I feel I can talk competently on, where my mostly-unpublished perspective won’t be a detriment to my authority on the subject).
Plus, I’m running social media for Balticon’s parent group. So… there’s another time suck!
7. Beta Readers
This year, again, I’m going to try to beta read at least 1 manuscript and/or short story, but not more than 3 stories for others.
I plan to work on revising queries, synopsis, and opening pages with Patrick Hopkins and The Queery Helpline. You can find out more at https://ko-fi.com/morganhazelwood.
In Summary
This year, I want my focus to be on my writing and getting my stories out there. As always, I’ll be blogging and vlogging and podcasting throughout the year. While spring looks to be rather convention-heavy, by fall, I should be back in the writer’s seat.
Except for December. I’m not a writer in December — everyone needs a chance to breathe.
Best of luck with all your 2024 projects!
What does your plan look like for 2024?
Did you build in flexibility?
And, how SMART are your goals?
See my previous years’ resolutions and reflections:
2017 Resolutions | 2017 Retrospective
2018 Resolutions | 2018 Retrospective
2019 Resolutions | 2019 Retrospective
2020 Resolutions | 2020 Retrospective
2021 Resolutions | 2021 Retrospective
2022 Resolutions | 2022 Retrospective Part 1 & Part 2
2023 Retrospective Part 1
WRITING TIPS & WRITERLY MUSINGS 