A Writer's Goals

We are just days away from the start of 2009, which means many of us are thinking about what we would like to accomplish in the next year. I want to take my writing to the next level, and I hope to do that by:

Continuing to blog: I’ve only been blogging a few months, but I’ve already seen an improvement in my writing. If I want readers, that means I need to post consistently—which means I need to write. Having an audience makes me think about my words and choose them carefully. I devote time each day to brainstorming, writing and editing, which I didn’t do in the past (despite my best intentions).

Reading more: I’ve always loved reading, but I noticed I haven’t read much besides newspapers and magazines in the past few years. So, I dusted off the library card, made a list of books I want to read and joined a book group. Reading the words of others, slowly and savoring them, inspires my writing and encourages me to take risks, trying genres and styles I probably wouldn’t have considered in the past.

Reviewing books, hosting blog tours and offering guest posts: One of the reasons I started my blog was to showcase writing, and that doesn’t necessarily mean my own. I want A Writer’s Voice to be a home for all kinds of writers. If you are interested in participating, please contact me.

Becoming more active in my writing group: I joined a local writing group at the same time I launched my blog, and I seem to have a million excuses why I haven’t participated much, even though they only meet monthly. Community is important to writers, and this is one way to grow mine. I need to quit making excuses and make the group a priority.

Developing my business: I’ve had success in my short time as a freelance writer, and I want to move forward to build upon that. I’m currently developing a web site to launch after the first of the year. In addition, I’m working on a business plan for offering writing coaching.

This is an ambitious list, but it energizes and engages me. It’s going to require more than just writing. It requires focus, time management and dedication, for starters. But I’m taking it one day at a time and not expecting perfection. Mistakes will be made, but I’m going to learn from them and not beat myself up when I make them. I am looking forward to a wonderful 2009, and I hope you are as well.