Last April I shared my five writing goals in the post, What are Your Goals as a Writer?
Goal setting is both recommended and wise, but alas, I did one thing wrong: I failed to specify the time for completion. This was a serious omission that stymies most goal-setters. Here is how I did:
- To complete my dissertation: The “final” version has been submitted. The best-case scenario is that there will be a batch of “corrections,” followed by my oral defense.
- To complete a biography I am writing: This is done! (But may need to be revised.)
- To redo and update my author website (www.peterdehaan.com): This is a work in progress—I’ll keep you posted.
- To begin building my platform as a writer: This journey has begun.
- To find an agent—and a publisher: No progress. (This was bad goal setting on my part for two reasons: it is actually two goals in one and completion is largely outside of my control.)
Though I can offer excuse and explanation for my less than ideal performance, the reality is that I fell short. While I refuse to wallow in guilt over my shortcomings, I now have greater motivation to complete the following batch of goals and to do so by year-end. They are:
- To fully and totally complete my dissertation
- To unveil my revised website
- To complete the first draft of one book
- To start book two
- To query agents
While I will share noteworthy news on these throughout the year, check back in 12 months for the results.
Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.
Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.