Writing In 2015 - Setting Goals?

There's nothing particularly original about setting goals. I mean this is the time of year when people make all sorts of goals and resolutions for change and setting new habits in the new year. This is the time for wiping the slate clean. We release a deep sigh and mouth the word "do-over" with a hesitant smile on our faces. Or at least some of us do.

Ever the big fan of veteran pro writer, Dean Wesley Smith, I'll include a link to his latest blog post, a new installment in his ongoing "New World Of Publishing" series. Smith has made it a habit to give some end of the year tips about goals and such to help propel writers in the coming year. Check out the blog post, "New World of Publishing: Failure Must Be An Option." It's the first of a set that'll be coming along during this final week of 2014.

I've said it before though, I am lousy at setting and hitting goals. I've failed in much the way that Smith illustrates. However, I can't let that become a reason or an excuse to quit or to give up. Failure's a built-in dynamic of this writing life and I have to be ready to take a hit when it comes my way. I have to remember what's within my control and set goals that reflect this common sense idea.

Being the writer, I can actively set goals for writing and finishing projects. While life's complications may make it necessary to rethink certain aspects it is still more than possible to write and finish something. I'd say it's fair to mention Heinlein's Rules of Business, a guide that many writers have used to make money in the writing business. I keep a copy of them right in front of me in my office and you can find one in the right column on this site.

Those rules might be a good place to start when it comes to making plans and setting goals for your writing in 2015. At least I think they are. Honestly, if there's any place I should make a more serious effort is in apply those simple (on the surface) rules to my own work.

No matter what sort of plans or strategy you have in place for executing goals in the coming year, I wish you the best in your endeavors. If you have a way you'd like to share with me, please feel free to comment.

Catch you next time.