2017 Writing Resolutions

My view while thinking about my writing goals and watching the rain fall.

I know it's been a while since I've written a post. No worries; I'm still alive! I've just have some personal life changes that have been rocking my world. But this time of year is all about looking back and then looking forward. A new year is the perfect time to refocus on what you're supposed to be doing. For me, that's writing.

I finally returned to my monthly writing group last month, and one of the members announced her upcoming book release party. How exciting! Not too long ago, we were in the same boat, trying to figure out if independent or traditional publishing was best.

She decided to independently publish, and it was all due to her 5-year plan. That got me thinking about my own non-existent plan. I'm a planner by nature, but I've never had a writing plan, not one, at least, that has been well thought out.

While I still don't have an exact plan in mind, here are a few things I need to consider and work out in my head:

1. I need to finish revising one of my books.

It's been written since 2014, and I still have not gone through it all. I can't progress at all in getting published or self-publishing until that manuscript is revised. Once it is, I can enlist the help of beta readers to make sure everything is how it should be.

2. I need to figure out which method of publishing I'll wholeheartedly pursue.

I've been going back and forth on this one for a while. But after hearing about my fellow writer's 5-year plan, it really has me thinking more about independent publishing. There is so much more research I need to do.

3. I need to start publishing. Simple as that.

I think I hold myself back sometimes because of my fear of failure. It's been a dream of mine to publish for so long. What if I fail? What if it's all a waste? What if I turn into a joke? I need to abolish those ideas and just go for it. I'll never get anywhere if I don't try.

4. I need to seek out more freelance writing opportunities.

I need to get back to my roots. I need to start sending out freelance articles again. I took a long break, but I think it's time. I need to redefine myself as a writer, and that may start with returning to freelance writing.

Have you thought about your writing goals for 2017? What are they?