And here we are on New Year’s Eve, and let me wish you right now a very Happy New Years. May 2014 bring you great personal success as well as success from your writing endeavors.
So, let me ask you this: what did you accomplish in 2013 with regards to your writing career? Did you meet your goals? Did you even have any goals?
I do not believe in resolutions for the New Year. I think resolutions set us up for failure and I have no desire to do that. However, I do use this time each year to reflect on the previous year and see how I did with my goals. All in all I’m pretty satisfied with my progress in 2013. I’m right on track with my five-year writing plan, and I expect to see some significant monetary rewards flowing in my direction in 2014 if the plan continues.
So how about you? If you just write for your own enjoyment then you probably don’t need to even answer that question. On the other hand, if you are a freelance writer, or a writer who has a novel in the works or other plans that involve some sort of return, then please, please sit down, write out a plan, and then write out a schedule to follow in order to achieve that plan. It is too easy to get sidetracked. It is too easy to get derailed by life. A writer needs accountability, and a well-written, detailed plan is the first step to accountability.
Hopefully 2014 will be the year when you toss aside whatever has been holding you back, and you will begin to find success.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.”
Bill Cosby
Hey, hey, hey, Fat Albert speaks the truth! I don’t know how many times I have received an email from a fellow writer who is afraid to take the next step. For whatever reason, be it fear of failure or being put down earlier in life, they can’t pull the trigger and move past it all. Hopefully that is not you but if it is….the world needs you. The world needs more beauty from words well-crafted. Consider your responsibility to humanity and start writing.
CONTEST OF THE DAY
Here’s a fun contest. The Literal Literary Postcard Contest is accepting applications until February 1, 2014. You need a short story no more than 500 words, and a postcard. The story must be reflective of the postcard. Sound fun? You can find details here.
PROMPT OF THE DAY
You can practice for that contest by writing 500 words about this picture….who knows, this contest might be right up your alley.
WRITER OF THE DAY
I can never remember who I have highlighted in the past, and honestly I’m too lazy to go back through all of my earlier posts to find out….soooooo…..if I did this lady earlier then oh well! It never hurts to give a shout out to a quality person more than once. Say hello to Ruchira and her blog Abacadabra. You can find it here.
GRANT OF THE DAY
The Horned Dorset Colony is offering a four-week residency in upstate New York. Find out more about it here.
AND THAT’S ALL I’VE GOT FOR YOU IN 2013
But there will be more on Thursday, January 2, 2014, so I’ll see you then.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
It has been a good year. I do always hope the next year will be even better. Yep, when I grow up, I want to be just like you Bill. LOL
Happy New Year to you and your wife.
Greg, if either of us quit growing it will be sad. My best to you for 2014 my friend. Thank you and Happy New Year to you and Maria.
Bill, my plan for 2013 changed once I realized I didn’t have all the tools I needed to succeed. Now I believe I do. I have also redirected my goals and have begun to implement a plan, although I haven’t written it down. I will do so. My goal as a writer beginning 2014 is to swerve my revenue earning endeavors towards editing and concentrate on writing short stories and perhaps begin a novel. I prefer creative writing to B2B or even B2C writing, which – in being honest with myself – is why I wasn’t proactive in finding clients. I’ve learned a lot about the business end of writing, marketing and web building this year. I think my new plan will be more satisfying for me and will inspire me to move forward.
Happy New Year, my friend!
BTW, have you decided to sign on with the agent who approached you?
Sha, nobody works harder at preparation than you do. I hope it all works out for you in 2014. I feel good about the steps you have taken and your plan. Best wishes to you. As for the agent, I am waiting to see the contract which I should see within a week…then I’ll decide. Thanks for asking and Happy New Year to you.
love,
bill
Thanks, Bill…I am listening and do believe this is my year to put a plan into writing and set about accomplishing it. I am learning so much from you, you set a fine example for us all.
Happy and healthy 2014. Love, Maria
I am so happy to hear that Maria. Best wishes to you as you begin that literary journey. I’ll be on the sidelines cheering you on.
Happy New Year my dear friend.
love,
bill
This is always a reflective time for me–and so much of my writing comes out of times like this for me–I lack ambition, but I love writing–probably a bad combination! Happy New Year Bill!
Audrey, I love that…lack ambition but love writing. Well I hope it works for you in 2014. Happy New Year my friend.
I had planned on getting the first of three of my children’s books published before Christmas in 2013 but didn’t meet that goal. Now I’m aiming for February. I haven’t made any resolutions for years now as I find it hard on myself when I fail at keeping them.
Susan, I’m with you. I am horrible at resolutions but quite good at goals. Go figure that one. LOL Good luck with those children’s books.
And a very happy New Year to you my friend! I have a feeling you are going to soar leaps and bounds this year! 2013 was a good year for me because it made me realise a lot of strengths and weaknesses. I’ve learnt that I’m simply not good at certain things, but better at others – writing wise. This year I’m not going in every direction and running around like a headless chicken, I’m focusing on those strengths and I’m soooooo excited. Bill Cosby’s quotes rock! Have a super day 🙂
Happy New Year Mel and thanks for your comment. I’m excited for you; finding direction is so important. It takes some of us a very long time to find that direction, but once we do we soar. That’s what I’m expecting from you….soaring!