Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Goals for A Round of Words

So, because I often need external assistance in keeping my goals, and because my writing output has been completely pathetic for the last 2 months, I've decided to try this challenge called "A Round of Words" (check it out here).

I was hoping to get my blog all updated and shiny new before the start of this round, but it didn't happen (see above about my success with keeping goals).  Basically I managed to put a new out-of-the-box theme on it, but couldn't figure out how to do any editing.  Sigh.  Pay no attention to the ancient posts behind the door.

Anyway, goals.  Here, without further ado, are my goals for my first Round of Words:

1) Write 25,000 words.

I've been having a terrible time actually sitting down at the keyboard and writing, so I'll basically be happy if I write anything (blog posts, work on any of my works-in-progress, character sketches, writing exercises, etc.  Except for day job stuff.  That doesn't count).  Words written in pursuit of the goals below also count towards this goal.


2) Post on blog at least once a week

Not counting check-ins for Round of Words.  Doesn't have to be a fancy post, just a post.

3) Write first draft of short story

There's this idea I have for a short story that I've been meaning to write for a while.   So, here goes the first draft.

4) Make progress on Last Words

Last Words is the working title for my novel-in-progress.  I started it for NaNoWriMo last year, and I'd really like to finish a draft.  I still have a lot of work to do on the research end and the plot is a little stuck right now.  This isn't a particularly measurable goal I guess (how much progress do I have to make before I've met the goal?).  I suppose let's say I have to take some action towards finishing this novel at every check point, whether that be research, character sketches, or writing actual scenes.

So there are my goals.  I'm looking forward to a productive 80 days and hopefully getting to know some of the other folks participating in this challenge.

Leslie

6 comments:

Anna K. Stewart said...

I'm definitely in the same boat re: need for external assistance...sounds like you have some great goals...best of luck!

alberta ross said...

This is a great place for assistance - very encouraging/supportive group of kindly folk - all the best with those goals :)

Anonymous said...

If your plot is stuck - I'd suggest re-visiting your outline to remind yourself on the high level goals, arcs, etc. you had in mind.
If you don't have an outline, well ...

Kim Switzer said...

These are great goals! Solid and well-thought-out and trackable. Looking forward to hearing more about how things are going for you. Welcome to ROW80!

Anonymous said...

I hear you on the novel getting stuck. I think that writing a short story will inspire you. Also, re-reading what you have from start to finish and trying to pretend you're a reader, not the author, helps you see what does and doesn't work in the plot.
Welcome to ROW80 and good luck.

gypsyharper said...

Thanks for all the support and tips! You all are awesome!