I like to review my goals quarterly to see how things are going. Who knew going into 2020 that the world would be plagued by a pandemic and civic unrest the likes of which I’ve never been old enough to witness or understand. Both have definitely been distracting, but I plug away and do my best to stay focused.
Goal 1: Develop one of the ideas from my stash.
Progress: The upcoming closure of one of my publishers has waylaid this goal a bit. I’ve spent more time figuring out what my plans are for the books that will go out of print than in writing anything new. I did, however, figure out which idea I want to work on. It’s another Christmas book.
Goal 2: Decide which of my completed stories to submit next.
Progress: None, because I’m not happy with them yet. I’ve reviewed them, but they really aren’t ready. I plan to take Christmas break and sit down and go through them all to see what I should focus on for 2021 (hard to believe that is only months away).
Goal 3: Edit The Sisterhood and submit to the agent I met at a conference.
Progress: The work on this project continues. We decided that it needed a total rewrite. We are about a quarter of the way through it.
Goal 4: Finish additional material for the new version of A Christmas Kindness.
Progress: Finished this in June. The book went out to the printer recently. I can’t wait to see it!
Goal 5: Acquire and edit three manuscripts for 4RV Publishing.
Progress: I have worked on two this year. I’ve also been editing for others I know. I’m not sure what 2021 will bring for me at 4RV, but I am looking forward to the future.
Goal 6: Write for Guardian Angel Kids.
Progress: Sadly, Guardian Angel Publishing will close next month. I am beyond sad. They published three of my books and hundreds for other authors. COVID left it’s mark on the publishing world with this loss.
Goal 7: Write five chapters of Amelia’s Mission.
Progress: None. Amelia is stuck on chapter 20 because of my focus on other projects–The Sisterhood, A Christmas Kindness, finding a new publisher for three books, editing, etc. I will read through the last chapter once I am done with this editing project.
That’s it from my neck of the woods. How are your 2020 goals coming along? Are you considering what you’ll work on for 2021 yet?
The Children's and Teens' Book Connection 