Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Revolutionary Resolutions


Is the pending new year bringing out that first day of school feeling when all things are possible; and you might not be the geek/nerd again this year, but actually make the team or be noticed by the cute jock? Oh, all the fresh blank notebooks and sharp pencils just waiting to be put to use.

Or is it a nameless dread you feel? Like all those "I should..." things lining up to form a parade of intended resolutions. Either way, I hope you at least get the chance to consider your goals for the year, and you find satisfying ways to achieve them.

I'm opening up my writing business plan to review 2008 and planning for 09. I'm very determined this year in my goals, and as soon as they're fleshed out on paper or in a Word document, I'll share them. I'm looking forward to getting to work on my manuscript January 1st, and also participating in Melissa's The Just Write Challenge. I can just feel it...it's gonna be a great year. Especially with all us writing bloggers keeping each other in thought and prayer for forthcoming good news!

Since one of my goals is to write more, share more and submit more, here's a little something I wrote in the year 2000, which I updated to make it current:

Riting Resolootions

The clock is ticking. My hands sweat over the keyboard, mind as blank as my checkbook balance. The mere mention of the "R" word makes my heart palpitate with negativity. Billowing red flags wave in my head. "All this over simply committing to paper your New Year's resolutions?" you ask. Well, it's not as simple as it sounds.


Rarely having succeeded in lots of decades at keeping any of those good intentions and resolutions, it has come to be my theory that I basically sabotage my goals and efforts by shackling them to that first day of January's clean slate of new habits and goals. My midriff's spare tire and home's roaming dust rhinos attest to my history of resolution failures.

Armed with this new psychological profile of myself, I will endeavor harder than ever to make progress this year, at least in my writing life. The rest of the usual stuff can just slide for 365 days. Therefore, I freely and honestly resolve to set no other goals except for this important area of my existence. There is research to be done, my women's fiction manuscript to perfect, feverish midnight compilations of weekly columns and manuscripts to edit, plenty of poetry and VizPo to be crafted, unending blog posts to make, and more than enough pressure to produce writing gems and witticisms whenever I so choose. And I do so choose. This year will be the year writing resolutions are kept or exceeded!

I, being of relatively sound mind and body, do herewith proclaim I will write even when time doesn't allow. When the muse strikes me, my printer cartridge is full, and the kids and part time jobs all line out to give my dwindling mental abilities time to function, I will write like my bahonkus is on fire. Then I will studiously (and after much research) begin the querying process like a someone driven.

That said, I feel optimistic about my chances for success in the writing arenas of 2009. Bring it on! How about you?


{Picture from photobucket.com}

21 comments:

Michelle H. said...

I have heard of making a writing business plan, but I'm not sure what exactly it is. Is it sort of like a day planner of the writing you want to do today, or more like a mission statement to reach certain goals - like a life list?

Angie Ledbetter said...

Michelle, I'll try to post the bones of what it consists of next week, using the template author Cherry Adair gave us at a conference.

Amy Sue Nathan said...

I tweak my plans constantly...I never look at January 1 as the start to anything but the month of January! My year (as I know I've said before) begins in September...my deadlines and goals have changed many times. BUT...I do see 2009 as a year of many more good things, twists of fate, interesting and helpful friendships :-) and much writing, querying and publishing!

Here's to you, Angie. You are a treasure here on the internet!

Angie Ledbetter said...

Amy, I love that you have your own new year date! Really love that, you maverick.

Thanks for the sweet words. *blush* I find such comfort and writerly companionship here in Blogville, especially others like you who are in about the same place in the publishing journey as I am. You are an awesome reality check/chick.

colbymarshall said...

I shall press on, like always, in my never ending quest for an agent, but maybe it will end in 2009. I have been back and forth with an agent liking my full, so I keep praying when she gets back in office in January she'll have decided to yay it!

Angie Ledbetter said...

Colby, hows about an update for us newcomers to your blog? I wanna hear details and scoopage about your ms! And I'll be pulling for you to get the good answer from that agent.

Jessica Nelson said...

I feel optimistic too! You definitely sound perky. :-)

Melissa Amateis said...

I once made resolutions - no more. I have figured out that I set myself up for dismal failure and depression when I do. Instead, I try and make goals for the month, the week, the day. Heck, even the hour sometimes! Those are more sizeable chunks for me.

I think the Just Write Challenge is going to be AWESOME! So glad you're participating!

ChristaCarol Jones said...

I'm in Colby's boat, well, hanging by a dingy behind it anyway. I have a full out, but have yet to receive word. Not worrying, it HAS been the holidays and it usually takes awhile, right? But yes, The Agent is my biggest goal other than finishing my next book which I hope to start next week, weeee. I'm excited about it. I love the honeymoon feeling you get when you're starting a new project!

But I've never been a goal-maker as far as lists and abstract goals are concerned. I'm a planner. So I just plan what I want to get accomplished in the most concrete form possible. And I never feel to change anything about myself in goal-form anyway. I like who I am, but I do plan on attending the gym after baby to lose what I've gained and doesn't go away once birth is over. I don't think something like that should be a resolution though. I'm just gonna DO IT. :P OK, I've rambled enough. Love you Angie, happy New Year!

Angie Ledbetter said...

Jessica, my mind and goals are just as perky as my body is not. :)

Good plan, Melissa. I have the big "pie" goal, and little bites along the way.

Crista, are you going to join Melissa's The Just Write Challenge? Congrats on your finished work and best of luck with hooking that agent. Oh, AND the new baby! Love ya back. :)

Vodka Mom said...

I'm right behind you......every step of the way. :-)

Carrie Wilson Link said...

Bring it on!

Kasie West said...

I like the word "bahonkus" and I will write like mine is on fire too. :) Good luck. Happy New Year!

Jenni James said...

Bahonkus??? Okay, so when I came to that word I lost it! I totally cracked up... I STILL am! I know, I know, it wasn't what your post was about... but it's why I love reading what you write! You're so awesome! I'm glad to see you in the writing challenge too! It's gonna be great! And I'm sooo with you on the awesome vibes crashing around us for 2009! It's gonna be amazing!

Janna Leadbetter said...

I'm ready. Let's do it!

Yolanda said...

Have a wonderful New YEar.

Angie Ledbetter said...

Vodka, come on up here even with me and we'll walk together! :)

Write on, Carrie girl.

Same to you, Kasie. Best in 09!

Giddy-Up, JJ! It sure 'nuff is!

Janna, I'm ready. Striking the match to set things off!

You have a great one too, Yolanda!

tut-tut said...

I resolve to hack my way out of the cave of doubt; and sew more, too.

The Unbreakable Child said...

:D Happy New Year, my (((friend))) and I resolve to keep digits crossed for you!!

t i m said...

write on!

happy new year. :)

Unknown said...

Ditto

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