Now what?


          The Wranglers were talking about a topic for this week. Monday’s my day and, in D’Ann’s words that I always love repeating, “I had nuthin’.” Finally D’Ann mentioned goals. And Shawn said, Yeah, goals. We seem, as a group, to be wandering a bit. We know what we want to do—sort of—but are having trouble settling in. The words lost and blind were used.
We had a good year in 2012, with I’m not sure how many books out, how many manuscripts finished, how many reviews that had one or the other of us shouting, Five stars! Do you believe it? Five stars! We had losses, too, that hurt our hearts and silenced our keyboards sometimes. We had unhappiness with jobs, unhappiness with manuscripts, unhappiness with…oh, I don’t know, hair color, maybe. But the Wranglers usually ended the day with, It’s all good.
So now what? Now we need goals, that’s what.
I have a new book out, which is a great way to start a new year. Jar of Dreams was released by Carina Press last week. It’s had a few of those reviews I mentioned up there. I’m so happy with the book, the publisher, my editor-who-is-wonderful.
But...sigh, there's always one of those, isn't there?
I’m 75% of the way through my manuscript in progress. I have fought my way through the hard stuff and am at my favorite part of a book to write. And I am so exhausted by that slog through the middle that I’m not sure I even care about that last 25%. That part that I usually write fast and sloppy and a little bit full of holes, that usually requires a lot of rewriting but I don’t care because it’s so, so much fun.
And there is my goal. To write that last 20,000 words and to have fun doing it. And then I’ll start another story. Because that’s what writers do. It’s all good.

Comments

  1. I know where you're coming from, Liz. Goal setting has been hard for me this year, for reasons I'll go into on Wednesday (bahahahahaha)....but your goal is great. It's clear, it's reachable and it leads to another goal to be made!

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    1. Thank you for saying that. I think I need reassurance that it IS reachable. I've finished several books, so there's absolutely no reason I can't finish this one!

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  2. Super post, Liz!
    Goals, I've had a hard time this year. I'll talk about THAT on Tuesday.
    Your's is FAB, and you can do it!!!

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  3. We are in the exact same place. 75% done and trying to care enough to write the other 25. My sigh moment. Great post!

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    1. Thanks, Shawn. It's a tough place, isn't it? And the truth is, I've been here before, but every time seems so hard!

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  4. I'm in revision on two manuscripts--trying hard to let go of words I love and create the story I am meant to tell...I think I'll join you in the idea that rewriting is the fun part. Thanks for the words of encouragement, Liz!

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    1. It's hard, too, even when it's fun. I remember the first time I had to cut an entire scene. I was a basket case!

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  5. Love how you put things into words, Liz! Had to laugh at unhappy with--hair color! One of my 2013 goals, as you may remember, was to work more closely with a few writers on an in-person basis. I'm getting together with a couple of people Wednesday and am excited. Your post reminds me how helpful it is to share the ups and downs of the journey. Best of luck with those last 20,000 words.
    I'm starting to think I'll never win a cup and saucer! lol

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    1. LOL. Keep trying! I'm so glad to see you at all my visiting spots! Also glad you're meeting with a group. Let me know how it goes.

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  6. One of my goals didn't work out, but generally, so far, so good. I tweeted.

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    1. Thanks, Ella, and good for you. Never give up is still our best byword.

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  7. Thank you for having the courage to share this part of writing with your readers also Liz. So many times we just hear the "ups" and successes. It makes us new writers wonder what's wrong with us when there are days that it's just hard to get words on the page. Smile. I think it helps to know 'your not alone' and to remember that you have a story worth sharing. Your words helps transport people to another place, another time, and makes your readers smile.
    Your doing a great job!

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    1. Thanks so much, Brenda--sometimes I worry I'm spilling too many guts. :-)

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  8. Love this and have no doubt you'll break through and finish your 20K.

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  9. Goal setting! That is exactly what I needed to read about. I see other authors who publish two, three books or more a year. I need to set goals. Thanks for the blog!

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