Tag Archives: Guardian Angel Kids Ezine

2019 Writing Goals Update

Well, the first quarter of 2019 has come and gone. My, it has been busy. Each quarter I take a look at my writing goals to see where I stand. This gives me a chance to pat myself on the back and also make any necessary adjustments. Here’s where things stand:

GOAL 1: Submit Clever Tom to an agent

I figured the first quarter would be the key to getting this done, but it seems life had other plans–like real estate work and editing a manuscript for a publisher. I’ve been writing down some possible agents to research. I’ve also set myself a deadline of next week to have at least two agents to pitch this project to and also to draft the query letter.

GOAL 2: Participate in STORYSTORM

Done and won! There are now 30 new story ideas to review and consider. Some I am really excited about. Others, not so much. I’m on the fence about participating next year, but that is a decision for the final quarter of 2019.

GOAL 3: Contribute to Guardian Angel Kids 

Sometimes I wonder if I am trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. I’m not a short story or article person. That said, I want to see if I can put something together by July to contribute to the December issue.

GOAL 4: Write 10 chapters of Amelia’s Mission

This is going to be a tough goal, but I’ve written one chapter and started another. Maybe vacation in July will bring me closer to this goal.

GOAL 5: Maintain my blogs

I’m not doing too bad here. This blog and Books Can Be Deadly are the two that suffer the most. The Book Connection and An Imperfect Christian Mom get most of my attention.

The first quarter brought some progress. Maybe not as much as I would have liked, but the key remains time blocking. I need to avoid social media too. I’m still working on that one.

How are your goals coming along? Anything you are struggling with? What is one of your accomplishments?

2018 Goals Review

 

It is that time of year again–time to review my goals and see how the year went. I’m a person who looks at the positives. Focusing on the negatives or what I didn’t accomplish is counterproductive. This was a year when real estate and caring for my in-laws took center stage. My latest book, Amos Faces His Bully, was also released by Guardian Angel Publishing. I’m satisfied with the progress made, even if it wasn’t all I wanted.

GOAL 1: Submit Clever Tom to agents – Made progress

This is a cute and funny story that came out of last year’s STORYSTORM. Though I didn’t submit it to agents yet, I did tweak it a bit before researching a few agents. I also participated in PBPITCH on Twitter a couple of times.

GOAL 2: Participate in STORYSTORM – DONE

I love this annual event. Thirty story ideas over 30 days. It’s tough, but not impossible. When picture book writers follow this up with National Picture Book Writing Week then great things happen.

GOAL 3: Blog twice a week on all four blogs – Blogged more than last year and made some additions

I started out with four blogs at the beginning of the year. The Book Connection and The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection are the ones that probably got the most attention. An Imperfect Christian Mom was probably the next most active. Books Can Be Deadly was active, but had some gaps. I resurrected Cheryl’s Christian Book Connection. I also began blogging twice a month at the 4RV Reading, Writing & Art News blog–which belongs to one of my publishers. I’m also still contributing to Christian Children’s Authors and play around with Laura’s Little Houses (my Little House blog) when I have time.

GOAL 4: Guest blog at least once a quarter – Not really

With the release of my new book in January, I did a bunch of guest blogging. Simply haven’t done much since.

GOAL 5: Contribute to Guardian Angel Kids this year – Tiny bit of progress

I took a look at themes this year, but only felt a connection to the December issue. I’m really not a short story person, which doesn’t help. I might still try it again this year.

GOAL 6: Finish Amelia’s Mission and get it ready for submission – Laughs a bit

Now twenty chapters in, Amelia is stuck at school when she receives some bad news from home. I’m dedicated to finishing this, but I am such a s-l-o-w writer. I have been attending most of the monthly writing meetings to help move things along. Our group has grown, so I don’t always get feedback right away.

An unspoken goal that has been on my mind for a while came to fruition this year. I became an acquisitions editor intern for 4RV Publishing. I’m also editing a children’s book series right now. So, I am keeping one leg in the writing world while real estate and family responsibilities move in to consume me. Look for my 2019 goals coming soon. It’s going to be a great year!

What were some of your goals for 2018? What did you accomplish? Any idea on what your goals are for the new year?

October 2018 Issue of Guardian Angel Kids (GAK)

This month’s issue of GAK features the book Lola B. and the Skinned up Knee by Nancy E. Hughes. It also includes a poem by Stephanie Malley, short stories by Nancy Engler, Caroline Kiberd, Bonnie Kloster, and Pamela Love and the article “When I Child Gets Hurt” by Kelly Bakshi M.S. Ed. You’ll also find fun games, activities, and videos.

Check out the October 2018 issue of GAK at our website: www.guardian-angel-kids.com

 

Guardian Angel Kids – April 2018

The April issue of Guardian Angel Kids Ezine is now available online at http://guardian-angel-kids.com

This month’s theme is treasure hunting. Enjoy!