Tag Archives: new year resolutions

2017 Writer’s New Year and Resolutions

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2016 was another good year for the Deadwood Writers. More members are publishing on this site as well as, and perhaps more importantly, are publishing commercially. Diana Hirsch, Jon Reed, and Wendi Knape have published works that show range and depth of quality. Wendi’s book, Hot Blacktop becomes available on January 10. Check out their books, you will not be disappointed.

I also have a book coming out on February 28: So All Can Learn: A Practical Guide to Differentiation. Writing the book was a pleasure and lots of hard work. Going through the book production process with the editor was a growth experience that I will use for future books. That does not even get into the marketing process. Essentially, writing a book is only the first step in publishing the book.

Many members have expanded their audience and deepened their craft through writing for this blog. I am forever grateful to their tireless efforts and amazing stories that they share. Please check out the Category Section to read some great narratives.

Resolutions for 2017

The start of each year, we share our writing resolutions. You are invited to share yours. Perhaps post in the comments section one or more of the following:

  • How many books will you read?
    Reading authors in your genres of interest is important for studying the craft and learning from others.
  • How many articles will you read and post a comment?
    Reading articles expands one’s understanding of content from a field of study. Posting comments on the article is a way to engage with the author and others for deeper dialog about the topic. This is a great way to get more of the author’s perspective and the views of other readers.
  • How many articles will you post or submit for publication?
    Starting out, be reasonable on the number. Ofcourse if you will be posting to your blog, that number may be higher. There is rich value in posting on your own blog. It’s a way to find and cultivate your writing voice.
  • Other possible resolutions:
    • Will you complete that book or story you’ve thought of?
    • Are you journaling on a daily basis?
    • How many reviews might you write?

 

For myself, my resolutions are:

Market and sell out the first print run of my book: So All Can Learn: A Practical Guide to Differentiation.

Write and post 12 to 20 articles/stories (not including this post :).

Read 10+ books and post a related review.

 

What are your resolutions? Please post in the comment section.

Happy Writers’ New Year!

Writers’ Commitments for 2016 – What’s yours?

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As of this post, 2016 launches a time of reflection, renewal and growth. Last year I posted Writing Commitments for 2015: What’s yours?. These were not resolutions of possibilities or “maybes.” The post was to lay out the end in mind that I could work towards, and to invite other writers to do the same.

So how did I do?

  1. I will read at least 10 books across genres that I like to write about: Education, Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult. I’ll write a review on Goodreads or Amazon or on this blog.
    I did read over 10 books in these genres that I like. BUT, I did not post them all.
  2. I will learn writing techniques from the writing styles of at least 3 authors from reading their work, which I’ll share during the Deadwood Writers’ study sessions.

There were some interesting tips and tools for author’s craft that I’ve explored.
1) Using narrative or conversational voice in nonfiction
Numerous articles on Edutopia modeled rich voices for making instructional topics inviting.

2) Ready Player One by Ernest Cline and Heroes Die by Matthew Stover illustrated to me the importance of a strong start. I enjoyed immensely both novels only because I pushed through the opening chapters. How many readers give up early because of the slow start of each of these stories? It’s a stark reminder for writing of all lengths.

3) Character development is critical. Several authors like Bernard Cornwell and Jim Butcher create amazing stories that I remember because of the characters. A good cast of characters can make for a compelling story.

3.  I will create a detailed outline and chapters for an Education book on Differentiated Instruction for the 21st + Century — to be shared with 3 writer colleagues for feedback.

With hard work and some luck, I have secured a book contract! I’m in the process of writing So All Can Learn: A Practical Guide to Differentiation for Rowan & Littlefield. My deadline is later this year. I hope to see it in print either by the end of 2016 or the start of 2017. Stay tuned.

***

Here are my three commitments, plus those shared by other Deadwood Writers, for 2016.

  1. Complete the book So All Can Learn: A Practical Guide to Differentiation in 2016, for publication by the end of this year or the beginning of 2017.
  2. Write articles for three major education publications, which will be linked to here.
  3. Read at least 10 books across genres that I like to write about: Education, Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult.

***

Wendi Knape

  1. Define parameters and implement plan for self-publishing A New Life, my paranormal romance. My goal is the end of 2016.
  2. Continue to develop and write the Hot Blacktop series.
  3. Balance all the above with my new job and family.

***

Sue Remisiewicz

  1. I will build my inventory of stories that are ready to submit to contests or for publication.
  2. I will regularly bring installments of my “Road Rally” story to the group for feedback.
  3. I will work to complete my Murder in Sight book.

***

Cassandra
  1. Participate in the group either online or in person when possible.
  2. Write at least one article a month for bulletin and/or blog.
  3. Submit at least two stories for publication.

***

Barbara Pattee

  1. I will read three books on the Civil War to facilitate the research for my historical novel.
  2. I will write for a minimum of five hours per week.
  3. I will present three more chapters of my historical fiction to Dead Wood Writers for comments.

***

Karen Kittrell

  1. Attend writers’ conference. Sign up to pitch manuscripts collecting dust on shelf.
  2. Finish editing for publication at least one manuscript.
  3. Write monthly article for the Deadwood Writers Voices blog.
  4. Write three 500 word flash fiction, one 1500 word story and one 3000 word story.
  5. Submit to at least six journals or contests.
  6. Outline non-fiction.
  7. Read six craft books and six works of distinction.
  8. Continue monthly study of short stories.

***

Kelly Bixby

  1. I will devote at least one day a week to no other writing than my work in progress.
  2. At the end of every quarter, I will share my work product with another writer for feedback.
  3. I will study at least one book in the same genre as mine.

***

Jeanette

  1. I will finish my story, Tangled Web.
  2. I will read a book on blog writing.
  3. I will set aside more time for writing and stop procrastinating.
 ***

How did you do with your commitments?

For 2016 commitments, what are 1 to 3 concrete steps that you will take to improve yourself as a writer. Be specific and concrete–something you can track or measure.

 

Please post in the comments below either your responses or link to your responses.