February 2009 Goals

I didn't do so hot on my January goals, but the one I did complete was the biggie. So, for February, the goals are simple:

1) Finalize the outline for AFTERLIFE.
2) Begin writing AFTERLIFE, get at least seven chapters in first-draft form.
3) Start up the blog contests and posts in preparation for the March launch of STARGAZER.

Mine are:
1) Polish filmscript for The Guardian of the Gate
2) Send query for my first illustrated Chapter Book
3) Get back writing the third book in my series - I've orders for it already!
4) Make sure my Website is up and running.

Aston, keeping us honest, as usual. And even if I don't make all my goals each month I always appreciate the subtle pressure!

1. Chapter 9 How To
2. Chapter 10 How To
3. Follow up on agent who was referred by a mutual friend
4. Follow up on publisher's latest email!
5. Find more photos and work on diagrams
6. If I have time, work on Betrayal's Harvest

astonwest said:

Good luck all!!!


If you ever want to feel some less subtle pressure, I have a tracking spreadsheet that I use to push myself...that tracks by total word count and by piece (I also do some manipulation to know how far I've gone on a particular piece for the week). That's put my butt through a ringer more than a few times this month.

"Aw, crap! I only have 500 words done this week on my short story? I have to hit the 1000 mark by next Tuesday."

Click to expand...

Aston, for now that might be more pressure than I can handle! But appreciate the offer.

1) Finish at least another seven chapters for Haunted
2) Get my partial and fulls back with comments for improvement
3) If not, follow up on those agents
4) Get agent!

1. Finish first draft of Absurd Poetry
2. Start second run-through
3. Outline and start WIP #2
4. Finish and query The Strangers Yay!

1. Finish first draft of Piper

Only one kinda big goal this month.

1. Finish writing La máscara de la muerte
2. Revise, revise, revise

I have three workshops to apply to this year. I need to revise and submit stories, so February is revision month for me. I need to have five stories polished. Let's see how many I can get done.

Since I signed with my agent in December, I feel like I've totally slacked off. Time to get some goals again!

1. Finish agent revisions for THE WITCH'S EYE.
2. Go on submission with it. (Okay, slightly out of my control, but still a goal!)
3. Research for BANISH.
4. 20K words on BANISH by the end of the month.

Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.

Good luck, Blondchen - and everyone else.

I'm going to do some work on my novel. I know that's vague, but I got to the point where it was hard work and rather gave up. A hard goal might scare me off - with an easy one, I have no excuse for not trying.

I just posted this on the end of the January thread, but I'll say it again here, it's so motivating to read about other people reaching their goals...it really pushes me to keep going myself!!

So.....

February Goals for me:

1) 8 chapters of YA Fantasy
2) Submit to Escape Clause by Feb 28th

Steps I'm going to take:

1 a) 2 chapters/ week
b) Take 1 chapter/ week to writing workshop
c) STICK with it while on holiday for one week this month-ACK!

2 a) 1st draft by Feb 7th
b) Take to monthly writing group Feb 12th
c) Revise, revise, revise...submit!!

Thanks Aston for posting these. I think I might put them up somewhere more noticable too, like on the wall in my study.

1. At least write the opening scene of the new version of my zombie/fascist story.
2. Begin edit of An Abused Mind
3. Finish reading The Black Book
4. Read through and highlight revisions to be made on a flash piece about a Palestinian man.

I'm keeping my goals relatively simple this month, except for finishing that novel, which is a big thing for me. This year I'm trying to push my reading.

Wheee

1. Get something done on Aqua Vitae
2. Complete, with God and my sister's help, my edit of 'Playing the Cloud Flute'
3. Get a working plot and maybe more done on version 3 of 'Charismatic'
4. Finish 'Goldenseed,' 'Ms Brellin,' or both
5. Get about a sentence done in each of my other WIPs

I'm, going to get the query on MS #1 polished and sub by the 15th! (or die trying!)

I added another goal.

bsolah said:

Thanks Aston for posting these. I think I might put them up somewhere more noticable too, like on the wall in my study.

1. At least write the opening scene of the new version of my zombie/fascist story.
2. Begin edit of An Abused Mind
3. Finish reading The Black Book
4. Read through and highlight revisions to be made on a flash piece about a Palestinian man.

I'm keeping my goals relatively simple this month, except for finishing that novel, which is a big thing for me. This year I'm trying to push my reading.

Click to expand...

I wrote the opening scene tonight!

Ok, here I go.

1. Finish outline for Third Strike sequel.
2. Finish second draft of Muse
3. Get Muse out to beta readers.

I think that's enough ambition for a short month.