It’s that time of year when we’re all making resolutions for the new year.  I seldom make New Year’s resolutions, but I do try to set goals to keep myself motivated and on track throughout the year.  Hopefully these will help you have a productive year too.

 

1.    Set aside time to write every day, no matter how insignificant it may seem at the moment.  Ten- fifteen minutes every day will add to whatever project you are working on.

2.    Don’t compare yourself to others.  (I know easier said than done, at least in my case!)

3.    Finish that unfinished manuscript.  How will you ever fulfill your dream of publication with a half-finished story?

4.    Enter contests.  Although, I have to really talk myself into this one.  Contests have never really panned out for me, but it's a great way to get your work in front of editors that you might be targeting.

5.    Submit your work.  How will you ever sell, if you never submit?

6.    Don’t dwell on negative feedback.  Writing is so subjective, what might not put a smile on one person's face, will set the next howling at the moon.

7.    Don’t over edit.  You might edit the life right out of your story.

8.   Don’t give up.  Just keep writing.