Good Morning, Seekerville! It had been my original intent to post this week on getting your writing organized for 2012. But with a December book deadline (it was sent Priority mail to my editor on Saturday morning, December 24) and then taking a few rare and precious days away from my computer and the “Infamous To Do List” to spend time with family and enjoy this special season, researching a blog wasn’t high on my list of priorities.
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Besides, here we are halfway between Christmas 2011 and New Year’s Day 2012 --not much time left to get organized the way I dream of getting organized to start a new year. The majority of my time this week is already spoken for with additional deadlines for my publisher, judging a writing contest, and seeing to a ton of other writing-related endeavors--not to mention the 1,001 things that didn’t get done in the past month that still need to be done!
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It’s going to be a jam-packed remainder of the week and just thinking about it is overwhelming, but instead of letting that zap my energy as a new year rapidly approaches, I intend to live the next few days intentionally.
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What will that entail? I’m focusing on the “must do’s” but also blocking out time to weave in a few things that will ground me and ENERGIZE me going into the coming year.
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These things will be very different for each of us. But for me the plan includes…
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…walking daily--with a cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon to warm me up on my return.
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…setting aside time to read a chapter or two from a good book (maybe with that cup of hot cocoa for company!) .
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…writing a few New Year’s letters to friends and family each day (there wasn’t time to compose a Christmas letter this year).
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…pausing to dream up my next books--characters, premises, scenes.
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…celebrating all the things I DID accomplish this year.
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…spending quiet times with God to seek direction for 2012.
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So, instead of getting bummed out here at the end of the year about all the things you HAVEN’T had time to do in 2011 and WON’T have time to do before ushering in 2012, what are YOU going to do to energize yourself in the remaining days of December? What are some small things you can do to give yourself an added boost and start your new year off on solid footing and with a positive attitude?
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If you’d like to be entered in a drawing for a copy of “Break Into Fiction” by Mary Buckham and Dianna Love, please mention it in the comments section and leave your e-mail addy (remembering “at” and “dot”). Then watch our Weekend Edition for the winner!
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Glynna
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Glynna Kaye’s Love Inspired “Dreaming of Home” was a 2010 finalist in the “Carol Award” and “Maggie Award,” as well as a first place winner of the 2010 “Booksellers Best” and “Beacon” awards. Her most recent release “At Home In His Heart” (August 2011) garnered a 4 ½ star review from national magazine “RT Book Reviews and is a nominee for RT’s Reviewers’ Choice Award.” “High Country Hearts,” Glynna’s fourth story set in the mountain country of Canyon Springs, Arizona, debuts in March 2012.
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Besides, here we are halfway between Christmas 2011 and New Year’s Day 2012 --not much time left to get organized the way I dream of getting organized to start a new year. The majority of my time this week is already spoken for with additional deadlines for my publisher, judging a writing contest, and seeing to a ton of other writing-related endeavors--not to mention the 1,001 things that didn’t get done in the past month that still need to be done!
.
It’s going to be a jam-packed remainder of the week and just thinking about it is overwhelming, but instead of letting that zap my energy as a new year rapidly approaches, I intend to live the next few days intentionally.
.
What will that entail? I’m focusing on the “must do’s” but also blocking out time to weave in a few things that will ground me and ENERGIZE me going into the coming year.
.
These things will be very different for each of us. But for me the plan includes…
.
…walking daily--with a cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon to warm me up on my return.
.
…setting aside time to read a chapter or two from a good book (maybe with that cup of hot cocoa for company!) .
.
…writing a few New Year’s letters to friends and family each day (there wasn’t time to compose a Christmas letter this year).
.
…pausing to dream up my next books--characters, premises, scenes.
.
…celebrating all the things I DID accomplish this year.
.
…spending quiet times with God to seek direction for 2012.
.
So, instead of getting bummed out here at the end of the year about all the things you HAVEN’T had time to do in 2011 and WON’T have time to do before ushering in 2012, what are YOU going to do to energize yourself in the remaining days of December? What are some small things you can do to give yourself an added boost and start your new year off on solid footing and with a positive attitude?
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If you’d like to be entered in a drawing for a copy of “Break Into Fiction” by Mary Buckham and Dianna Love, please mention it in the comments section and leave your e-mail addy (remembering “at” and “dot”). Then watch our Weekend Edition for the winner!
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Glynna.
Glynna Kaye’s Love Inspired “Dreaming of Home” was a 2010 finalist in the “Carol Award” and “Maggie Award,” as well as a first place winner of the 2010 “Booksellers Best” and “Beacon” awards. Her most recent release “At Home In His Heart” (August 2011) garnered a 4 ½ star review from national magazine “RT Book Reviews and is a nominee for RT’s Reviewers’ Choice Award.” “High Country Hearts,” Glynna’s fourth story set in the mountain country of Canyon Springs, Arizona, debuts in March 2012.
I went to the dollar store today and refilled on small notebooks, post-its, page flags, highlighters, and index cards (my writing must-haves) and cleaned my desk off to prepare for a new year of writing.
ReplyDeleteI'm celebrating that in 2011 I entered my first contest, won two, completed my first manuscript, got my first rejection letter (which I'm actually proud of) and with the Lord's help, put my financial house in order.
In 2012 I have writing goals of completing my current WIP, attending the ACFW conference this year and entering Genesis, both for the first time, and this is a big one... writing reviews for books I finish that I enjoyed even if I haven't committed to do so as an influencer.
And I would love to be entered in the drawing, please. nancykimball at hotmail dot com
I'm doing nothing but reading for the rest of 2011, even though a new MS is begging and forming its way into taking over for the novel I planned to tackle next and I've realized I need to add another chapter to the MS I've "finished" --BUT I will not cave to writing for 4 more days!!! (I've had to reconsider notes as "not writing" because I HAD to write down notes and ideas that insist on coming to me.)
ReplyDeletePut me in the hat, please. rmjagears AT gmail DOT com
I am 2,500 words short on my WIP goal for the year. Wed and Th are the days for that because we start the next round of holiday company Fri-Mon. I'm not stressing though. God brought me back to IL after eight years of being away from my family, so I am loving every minute of down-time with them. My kids are so great, and my grandkids are sparkles in my life. Right now, that's what's on my mind.
ReplyDeleteLyndeeH
Nancy, I'm exhausted reading your accomplishments. Kudos to you.
ReplyDeleteSend me a trial size bottle of your energy please.
The coffee pot's ready.
ReplyDeleteLife has intruded on my last week of the year. Got a call today saying a cousin died this morning (her daughter died in August), and the family wants my husband to do the funeral service.
So we have a doctor appointment 50 miles to the south of us tomorrow, and a funeral 150 miles to the north of us Friday.
Extra prayer time is essential at this point.
The wip I started last month is not moving very fast, but I WILL tackle it with energy soon.
Helen
Oh Glynna, you've had a busy December already! (Congratulations on the new book!) I love your plan to celebrate the daily walk with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book - -
ReplyDeleteI'm taking a full two weeks away from my writing - I just finished and sent in my book last week, so I'm taking a needed break to catch up on housework, visit with family (college daughter home for a couple weeks - yay!), catch up on blog postings and other miscellaneous writing, and let the next book's plot work itself out "on the back of the stove" before I start in on it next week.
Oh, and reading! I'm working my way through my TBR pile! Mary's "A Home for Christmas" on Saturday, Myra's "One Imperfect Christmas" yesterday, plus a couple LIH's in between.
Add to that a much anticipated New Year's celebration with new friends from the church God brought us to when He transplanted us this year - a real celebration with these people He's put in our lives - and I think I'll be ending 2011 in good form.
Please put me in for the drawing -
jandrex(at)juno(dot)com
I, too, am taking time off from my writing leading up to New Year. For me, its to concentrate on getting organised. The office area is a disaster. I have a busy year coming up with work and study, but also plan to really hit that keyboard, so it will be interesting to see how it pans out. I only completed one goal for 2011 (I was pretty shocked when I saw the list I'd written a year ago and how much I just hadn't done) so will be aiming for more ticks in boxes this time next year.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'd love to be entered in the draw for the Mary Buckham/Diana Love book, thanks!
I walked today! to and from the cricket and am worn out. I read a few chapters there too. Oh im reading a book set in Mississippi which is the last state of america I need to read by New year. (hoping the kindle doesn't go flat as I didn't bring the charger) they say 3 week and I am at 3/4 used. 3 days to go.
ReplyDeleteHaha, Tina, thank you =)
ReplyDeleteWhile I never covet the success of any of you fine ladies, I wouldn't mind a trial size bottle of your publishing success either.
That must be what it is. That hunger keeps me driven. In fairness, I have tremendous amounts of time to devote to my writing in lieu of being a wife and a mother. Though I'd gladly trade for the privilege of the latter. Until then, everything in its season.
Glynna, so glad you got your book finished!
ReplyDeleteFor me, writing is my down time. My gift to myself. My vacation. So that's what I'm doing whenever I can break away from work this week. And I'm looking forward to New Year's weekend (where the only party I will be attending other than a wedding reception Friday night) because it's mine. All mine. I've gently declined invitations and I'm gifting myself with time to work/write/play all depending on your point-of-view.
For me it's the best gift ever and I've learned to embrace the moments I get to write because they're scarce as hen's teeth. Dagnabbit!
But I will PARTY IN SEEKERVILLE on New Year's Eve with the greatest bunch of presents and giveaways ever! And I'm in charge of the champagne so you know it will be the best box I can find!
;)
I am happy with what I accomplished this year and will focus on new goals for my writing. I should include walking once a day (or how about those exercise videos?)
ReplyDeleteThe upside of losing my job is God is still in control and, more time to write and visit Seekerville. I expect Ruthy and Tina to shake me if I start sounding too much like Eeyore
Is anyone else in Christmas music withdrawal? I wish they would keep playing it until New Years. Ah well, cold turkey can work on so many things too.
ReplyDeleteFor the new year, my husband and I are rearranging our house to create the following:
A hobby (his word)/ craft (my word) room where we can both "parallel play."
A separate computer room where we can both work and write.
A playroom for the grandkids who don't have enough room to build with those giant cardboard construction blocks in the family room.
So I will start 2012 totally organized in both my writing space and my crafting space. Plus I will have the bonus of seeing my husband more as I make cards and he builds trains. We are also testing whether we can live in the tight space of an RV by spending more time in the same rooms!
I must note this does not involve any expenditures except for a plastic floor mat to protect our wood floor in what will become our computer room.
Would love to be entered in the drawing.
Peace and blessed New Year to all, Julie
As 2011 writing goals went, I didn't do too bad.
ReplyDeleteCompleted two ms. Entered two contest. (Haven't gotten the results yet.)
Cleaning must be in the air. For the first time in months, I can see the top of my desk.
Am I the only one who organizes post-its?
YAY!! GOOD FOR YOU, GLYNNA ... AND good for us if we do the same thing, which I seriously intend to do!! Great advice and VERY balanced, which is something December seldom is, much less the last week, right?
ReplyDeleteI'm reading a New York Times Bestseller right now by Ann Voskamp called "One Thousand Gifts -- A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are," and the whole idea is to glean as much joy out of each moment as you possibly can by one little secret: gratitude.
So while I balance this last week out with God, work, relaxation and family and friends, I plan to go FULL TILT with the gratitude as well, because if I stacked up the blessings of 2011 against the things I'd rather forget, there would be NO comparison!
Happy New Year to all!
Hugs,
Julie
GOOD MORNING, NANCY!! You are really on top of things heading into the new year! And what wonderful accomplishments to look back on for 2011!! So much to celebrate! Too often we don't pause to give ourselves the recognition our hard work deserves before moving on to the next thing. So congratulations!
ReplyDeleteHI MELISSA! I indulged in reading last night, too. Received a bunch of scruptious books for Christmas. Don't you just love a stack of new books? You read the backs, the inside cover, the author bio, the first line and then you have to make a decision -- PICK ONE to start with.
ReplyDeleteSo hard to set aside the "writing mind" though isn't it? The very evening of the day I shipped my latest book off (October release "Look-Alike Lawman," Book #4 of the Love Inspired Texas Twins continuity series with each of the 6 books written by different authors), I picked up my newsprint pad and started with the "what if's" for another Canyon Springs story--or three! I hope to indulge in that more this weekend when I get my "must do's" done!
GOOD MORNING, LYNDEE! It sounds as if you're having a well-balanced mix of writing and family time for the holidays. And regardless of whether or not you manage to achieve that word count goal, I'd say falling only 2500 words short of it is still a reason to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteWow, I feel like a fairy godmother! Nancy, was all that in response to out Tax Day? lol
ReplyDeleteGlynna, I'm still in organize the office mode: physically and financially. Been away with the cowboy for a couple of days, but we're home. Had a safe trip and enjoyed the time away.
PS... Last night I thought of a couple more tax write-offs that are really must-haves for business owners. A lockbox for important papers and a will.
Glynna, like you though, my heart is itching to work on the wip.
And Nancy, congrats on winning TWO contests this year!!! That is awesome.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, TINA!
ReplyDeleteTina, Sandra & I are getting together this coming April in Scottsdale, Arizona. Is anyone else planning to go to "Desert Dreams Writers Conference"? If you're sick and tired of winter, this is a beautiful place to look forward to coming at that time of year.
Can't find my instructions on how to do a direct link, but you can paste this into your web browser: http://www.desertroserwa.org/conferences/Phoenix-Romance-Writers-Conferences.php
Juli HS, this sounds like the year of organization for all of us, or did we just get bit with the bug at the same time? lol
ReplyDeleteI've found that I am more productive once I get everything organized.
Excessive clutter drains me.
Hmmm, I have been drained for years.
HELLO, HELEN! So sorry to hear of the loss of another of your cousins. We'll be praying for safe travels for your appointment and the funeral. No need to stress about a WIP during times like these--it will be waiting for you when you return and regain your energy.
ReplyDeleteOh, and about that Christmas music. I thought about this Christmas morning as the church youth sang and played Christmas carols on their horns.
ReplyDeleteThe magic of Christmas music is in the fact that we DON'T get to listen to it all year long. If we did, the magic would melt away like snow on a sunny day.
Instead, we pull it out once a year, and it bursts upon our senses just as surely as the brightly lit Christmas tree, the hustle and bustle of the mall, dimly lit candles, poinsettias, and spotlighted manger scenes.
THANKS, JAN! I can hardly believe this March book is the fourth of my Canyon Springs stories. Only 3 years ago at this time I was still unpublished. The October release (which I just sent in) is set in Texas, so a bit of a departure from my Arizona mountain stories, but unless she changes her mind my editor wants to see more of Canyon Springs!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting your book done and sent in. Isn't that a great feeling?
Sounds as if you, too, have a sweet mix of family, friends and letting a new story simmer here at the holidays. :)
Boy can I relate to the getting caught up on the pesky housework!!
HI, JO! I think all of us are often "guilty" of putting more on the goals list than is humanly possibly to accomplish. Sometimes I set a much smaller number of REALISTIC goals, with a subset of "would be nice if" goals. Then it's such a treat once I accomplish something on the smaller main list and find time to move to the "nice" list. Starting with a smaller list (maybe even only ONE doable thing!), helps us keep from getting discouraged, yet the "nice" list gives us something to stretch for.
ReplyDeleteHEY, JENNY! Congrats on making that goal of reading a book set in every state! HOpe your Kindle charge holds out for you! READ FAST!!! What will be your reading "challenge" for the new year?
ReplyDeleteGOOD MORNING, RUTHY!! Sounds as if you're carving out some real sweet time to write! As soon a I get my writing-related "must do's" out of the way this week, I'm planning to indulge in some next-story-time this weekend, too. It's a 3-day weekend and that will be my reward for being diligent this week.
ReplyDeleteAm I the first to bring the coffee? I have some Starbucks gingerbread lattes to hand around. I have been praying over my "word" for 2012 and I think it is going to be "organize" - which will have inroads into several areas of my life (key step in order to finish my first book, send off contest submissions way in advance of deadline), schedule household chores/meal planning and daily prayer time, and achieving simplicity overall). So for the next week I will be establishing organization in baby steps.
ReplyDeleteDEBRA--Losing a job is seldom a good thing, especially in this economy, but it sounds as if you're making good use of unexpected time on your hands. I mean, how can you beat writing and hanging out in Seekerville?! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Glynna, What a great post. I love your ideas. Congrats on getting that book finished before Christmas. I know that made you feel good. And I know it will be a winner as usual for you. smile
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm so excited about the Desert Dreams Conference . I've put in the link for you. I just barely remembered to register before Dec. 31 for the discount price.
Dad is out of the hospital as of yesterday so I plan to spend the rest of the year enjoying time with family.
GOOD MORNING, JULIE H.S.! I love the sound of all your rearranging in anticipation of the new year! Getting your writing space organized sounds so energizing! I'm not going to get very far on that before the end of this year, but plan to carve out a night or so each week in January to see if I can make some headway on it. Better late than never, right?!
ReplyDeleteHELLO, BRIDGETT!! I'd say writing two manuscripts this year and entering two contests is a fabulous accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteI can't say I've organized my post-its. Is there a trick to it?
HEY THERE, JULIE!! I may have to find that book. I'm always looking for new ideas to add balance to my life. Gratitude is so very important--appreciating all we've been given and all we've been enabled to accomplish.
ReplyDeleteJulie, About missing that Christmas music. We celebrate the twelve days of Christmas as well so have all the lovely decorations and music going until Jan 6th.
ReplyDeleteThere was a news article about how it is becoming the thing to leave your tree up with other decor. Those lovely lights are so nice on cold, dark winter mornings. My friend decorates hers with Valentine hearts and Easter eggs. So fun.
HELLO, PAM! I'm not surprised you're focusing on getting organized for the upcoming year! You make we want to get started on that foot-high stack of shredding awaiting me. :) I periodically just have to clear the decks. I can stand clutter for just so long and then, like you mentioned, it starts draining my creative juices.
ReplyDeleteJENNA V - "Organize" sound like a good word for the year as it will have so many benfits that reach into many avenues even outside of writing. The neat thing about organizing, too, is it's something you can SEE and get a feeling of accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time comment at your blog.Good recommended website.
ReplyDeleteHI, SANDRA! So glad to hear your Dad is home again. Being hospitalized over the holidays is no fun for anyone, but I know his positive attitude brought a bright spot to the hospital staff.
ReplyDeleteThanks for providing the Desert Dreams link! I like the conference as it's on a small, friendly scale and all of you at Desert Rose do such a fabulous job of organizing it. So wise to make it an every-other-year event. I'm looking forward to breakfast on the patio with you and Tina and sitting out under the stars for long chats!
Thanks so much, I needed this encouragement today! Have much to accomplish this week and need to be, as you said, intentional about it. I have a tendency to beat myself up over things that I didn't do this year so I appreciate your insight. Taking a deep breath and moving forward. :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be entered in the giveaway, thank you!
karenelange(at)gmail(dot)com
Happy New Year!
Blessings,
Karen
I definitely need to energize myself. I have a grueling work schedule now (since September) and it's really cut into what I've been able to accomplish with my writing. I was pretty down on myself, but I like the idea of not wallowing. I'm game to try energizing instead so....what energizes me? Um...reading good books of course!!!!! And walking with my dog -- definitely an energizing way to start the day...especially if we run into a squirrel or two. :-) And rearranging furniture. I always do that this time of year and it really gives me a huge boost. Have no idea why.
ReplyDeleteAs far as writing goes 2011 was an exciting year for me. I entered my first Genesis contest. Two judges loved my story, the third not so much but they all gave me advice that helped me grow as a writer.
ReplyDeleteI finished my first manuscript and won a pitch contest. Received my first rejection letter with a request for another project. Then a second editor asked to see the first manuscript...
Lots of ups and downs but they all felt like ups because of the wonderful like minded people God brought into my life.
The new project is in the editing stage. I think 2012 is going to be another great year. My goal is to master the synopsis.
HELLO KAREN! I can relate. I'm the world's worst about beating myself up over what I DIDN'T get done. Yet if I'd just take a few minutes to reflect on what all I accomplish in a given day, week, month or year it's certainly nothing to be ashamed of! I think it's one of those things we have to retrain ourselves to---the glass half-empty or half-full idea so we put it all in correct perspective.
ReplyDeleteGlynna, excellent post! Like you, I'm taking time to walk, to pause and reflect on the accomplishments and blessings of this year. I also want get some smaller things accomplished before year's end. I have several blog posts to write, books to mail and a piled office desk to organize. Getting these things off my "To Do" list will energize me, exactly what I need to get back to my wip.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Thanks for the tips, Glyna. Sounds like you're life's been crazy with that deadline!
ReplyDeletePam,to answer your question, yes, yes it was =)The lady checking me out asked if I was a teacher. I laughed and said no, a writer. =)
ReplyDeleteand thank you for the compliments. I hope to win a few more in 2012 and continue to make good use of the sage advice of the Seekers. Like Tina's you can't win if you don't enter. Oh how I look forward to the next contest update, since I have a true romance MS now, there's so many more possibilities. I'm determined to take another stab at Duel on the Delta =)
GOOD MORNING, KAV! I can sure relate to the day job demands. So I'm glad you're finding some snatches of time for things that energize you. I think the thing that's so satisfying about straightening a closet or rearranging furniture is that you can step back and feel a sense of accomplishment. So many things we do in life we can't "see" or stand and admire so we quickly sweep those accomplishments under the carpet. Out of sight, out of mind. But with concrete things we can see, we can return to them again and again and relive our accomplishments anew.
ReplyDeleteJulie - I've got Ann Voskamp's "One Thousand Gifts" on my shelf, too. I haven't decided yet whether I want to read it slowly - a few pages at a time - or if I just want to do a marathon and read it all at once.
ReplyDeleteBut it will be read during January...
HI, JAMIE! Sounds as if you've had an amazing year--with another one on the way! Finishing a manuscript is HUGE! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteHI, JANET! Sounds as if you have some good, energizing plans. Sometimes all it takes is launching into one of them and one accomplishment sets off a chain reaction. One energizes the next one and the next one and the next one. And before you know it. you've gotten an amazing number of things accomplished with much less effort and stress than you anticipated and even had fun!
ReplyDeleteHI, NAOMI! Yes, it's been a crazy month. I'd work so hard for months and intended to have the book polished and ready to go before December, but "life happens" and even the best laid plans and self-discipline don't always get us where we want to be. But now book #5 is behind me and I'm chomping at the bit to get going on 6, 7 & 8!! :)
ReplyDeleteNANCY -- You're in luck! A Seekerville contest update should be headed your way on Friday, December 30!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading everyone's accomplishments posted here today! Jamie A, that is a lot of ups!
ReplyDeleteMy biggest accomplishment was sending three short romance stories to Woman's World, thanks to Tina's posts! I haven't heard anything back yet, but believe me I will even be happy with a rejection because at least I've put something out there! My goal for 2012 is contests!
Other than that, I spent two days cleaning recently. It's wonderful not having ANY housework to do.
Please enter me
lostie815 at hotmail dot com
Ah, Glynna sweetie, you make me humble. I need to calm down. THINK. Focus, be intentional...but also forgiving of myself as well as others.
ReplyDeleteAnd I REALLY need hot chocolate. Right NOW!
Glynna, I like the idea of doing what I can with these last few days of 2011 to energize myself to prepare for 2012. We didn't get a Christmas letter done either--hoping a New Year's one will be going out soon. :)
ReplyDeleteMy house is in such disarray after a busy December. I'm hoing to get some order back into my life and home in these next few days. :) Spending relaxing time with my family is in there too.
God gave me a word to focus on for 2012, so I am going to begin to see what He wants me to learn about it.
I'd love to be entered in the drawing. My e-kmail is:
wetalk2biz(at)q(lowercase Q)(dot)com.
I made goals for 2011 and didn't do too horribly. I have goals for 2012 set as well. Posted them on my blog yesterday even.
ReplyDeleteMy writing goals this past year... I did pretty well.
Does meeting Julie count as a writing goal? It was lumped in with 'go to ACFW' so I guess so ;).
I entered contests. Didn't finish as many MSs as I wanted, but am fairly happy with what I did get done. Last year's goals were too ambitious. I knew they were at the time. This year's are a bit more doable I hope.
Top of the writing related goals is to get Finding Mr. Write ready for Great Expectations then decide whether or not to actually enter it. ;) Not sure about the cash since we bought the van a couple weeks ago. And organizing the office. That's the other one. Including sticky notes and influencer organization etc.
Now... the MS is calling my name. Y'all are more fun than trying to sort that thing out though... ;)
Hi, thanks for sharing today. It sounds like you enjoy hot chocolate even more than I do.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to put away Christmas decorations after work on Saturday, so I can start the year off with a clean slate.
I'm hoping for some prayer time and goal setting with God.
Way to go, Nancy, on your wins and your wonderful story about Jonathon.
I hope you all enjoy these last few days of 2011!
Joyfully,
Jackie
Please toss my name in for the contest. Thanks!
joyfuljel(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm tying up loose ends, like book reviews due, so that I can start the year off with a clean slate. I'm taking deep breaths whenever I think about the novel draft I planned to finish but didn't, reminding myself that sometimes plans fall through and that's okay. I'm not competing with anyone. I'm making plans to finish it in January.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm deciding whether I want to do the whole goals thing. Probably. I usually do, but I'm not feeling it this year. I'm all about moving forward and being committed but also about eliminating unnecessary stress.
Yes, please enter me.
DONNA -- I LOVE the idea of having everything neat and clean to enter the new year!! Doesn't it feel so good? Talk about energizing!
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful that you submitted 3 stories to Woman's World! People don't realize how extremely difficult those "shorts" are to write. Just a few pages of manuscript in which to tell a satisfying story, so give yourself a pat on the back for that for certain!!
MARY -- Don't forget the whipped cream and cinnamon. That's especially a treat! I'd never had it like that until I was in Sedona, Arizona at Christmas time years and years ago. As a midwesterner, I'd always gone the marshmallow route. But try it the Southwestern way...!
ReplyDeleteJEANNE T - There's so much to do at this time of year, well, ANY time of year. So it's important to pause in the midst of all the chaos and demanding To Do Lists that might drain us and do something that recharges our batteries. Sometimes it's just a little thing, like that cup of hot cocoa.
ReplyDeleteToday I'm working on peripheral things to send to my editor for this most recent book, while also interspersing it with taking down the tree in my office (I went with a Southwestern theme this year), shredding paper and doing other odds and ends. It's really amazing how much I can accomplish in a day if I have a healthy variety of things mixed in.
CAROL -- Sounds as if you've had a good year of accomplishments and are already making solid plans for 2012!
ReplyDeleteI think meeting Julie can count as a writing goal met! And some of you met Tina, Mary & Ruthy as well in Oklahoma and other Seekers at ACFW! You all have no idea how encouraging it is to meet Friends of Seekerville when we're out and about--so wonderful to see friendly, familiar faces!
JACKIE -- I know it's a tradition in many homes to keep the tree up all the way thru the holidays, but it's a tradition in my family to have everything Christmasy put away before the New Year arrives and, like you mentioned, start the year with a clean slate.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good plan to have some goal-setting with God. We so often pile too much on our own plates, then get frustrated because we can't do it all.
After dealing with the Holiday rush and a freelance emergency simultaneously, I'm taking the rest of this week to decompress and make out my list/schedule of agents, editors and others to contact in the upcoming year. Planning to start as soon as the kids get back to school!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the drawing: easpurlock(at)clear(dot)net
PATRICIA W -- I'd say eliminating unnecessary stress is a beautiful goal for the coming year! I find so much of it is caused by our own unrealistic expectations. Piling more and more on ourselves even when it's not necessary. And the not competing with anyone is also a good thing for us all to keep in mind. God will get us where he wants to get us in his timing.
ReplyDeleteEC -- Time to decompress sounds like a good plan and compiling the list of contacts for next year will be energizing!
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I finish revisions, I'm going to get organized. The problem is that every time I do organize my things I can't find them anymore. I'm used to too much clutter. Even though I hate clutter I know where most things are. Still, a room and a desk look so much better when everything has a home--or at least is in the right neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteMy immediate goals for 2012 include:
ReplyDeletePurchase new truck to replace the one DH totaled last week.
Get real estate contracts solidified...One for purchasing and one for selling.
Writing wise, I'm moving pretty slow. I need to spend some time with God and let him decide if I should enter Genesis with the my wip, even though it's no where near complete.
Would love to win the book, Thanks, Glynna.
andeemarie95 at gmail dot com
New year, new changes, new goals and new things to hope for!
ReplyDeleteThis year, I'm going to join ACFW. I received the money for membership for a gift for Christmas, so I decided I'd join on Jan. 1, to make it official. And also for an easy renewal date to remember. But mostly because I thought it would be a fabulous way to start the new year!
Other goals include being more consistent in my writing schedule, which probably includes one more writing session before the new year. Why wait? :)
Good luck on your goals, everyone! And please include me in the drawing.
stephludwig at hotmail dot com
Well, Julie was the only one of you guys I really knew the last week of 2010 so she was the only one to make it on my actual list of goals.
ReplyDeleteBy the time September rolled around, the list had grown exponentially. ;)
And yes, meeting Tina in Tulsa was a highlight ;). I'd already met Ruthy and Mary by then :D.
This year my list just says 'meet people' rather than specific people :D.
Oh hey - enter me please :D.
ReplyDeletecarolmoncado at gmail dot com
CARA - You're so right -- "at least in the right neighborhood" is about as good as it gets when you've just met a book deadline as I know you just did! So I can sympathize!
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Andrea -- or rather it's good afternoon where you are. Still a.m. here in the West.
ReplyDeleteI've been AWOL from Seekerville the past several weeks -- is your husband okay after totalling his truck?
Sometimes "moving slow" in the direction you'd like to go is about all you can do when life comes at you all at once.
HELLO STEPHANIE! What a wonderful Christmas gift ACFW membership is! Definitely a great way to start the new year!
ReplyDeleteDonna,
ReplyDeleteGood luck w ur Woman's World submissions. I've submitted there about a half-doz times and have gotten very close, but no cigar. They're fun writing exercises anyway. Forces me to be short and sweet, something that's tough for me and that I need to work on in general.
And Stephanie, I hope you will be able to find a ACFW chapter meeting near you. It's been a great support for me, even though I'm about two hours away from my group. The synergy is great and inspiring and worth the drive. The website offers a lot too. Good for you!
LyndeeH
Glynna, yay for meeting the deadline!!! Love this post!
ReplyDeleteNancy, I love that idea! I read in the 'Happiness Project' about how she always wanted nice pens but always bought the cheap ones... and she was a writer! So, she finalyl decided to buy the ones she wanted, and how happy she was about it.
I think I'll get some good pens and some dollar store goodies to go with!
Ruthy, I'm totally with you on the 'writing as down time'. When I don't write, I get cranky. Then kids get cranky and hubby wants to tear his hair out at the house full of whining monsters. :D
I feel good about 2011. Books got written, contests got entered, words coutns got met.
I'm celebrating writing 'The End' of my last WIP... but I ended 5K over the word count. So, now for cutting. :) Which is easier than being short, I guess.
Helen, so sorry to hear about your cousin. Praying for all of you!
ReplyDeleteI'm just trying to bask in God's peace. There are a few things I'd like to get finished before the end of the year, like another knitted scarf and a few more revised chapters but I'm taking it easy and not stressing.
ReplyDeleteFor once I'm actually excited for the new year. I'm looking forward to the many blessings God has in store.
Prayers, Helen!
ReplyDeleteHugs and prayers Helen. And safe travels.
ReplyDeleteLyndeeH
I'm spending time re-energizing by resting, reading, doing some surfing on the internet and mentally reviewing the stories I'm working on and seeing if I still like where the plot is going.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the book drawing.
cynthiakchow (at) earthlink (dot) net
Thank you, Lyndee. I would be fun to get some positive feedback. Good luck to you, if you are still submitting to them.
ReplyDeleteI love this post, it's had me thinking all day! Making the most of whats left of this year and starting to plan realistically for the New Year.
God bless, Helen.
Andrea I hope your husband is ok after his accident!
Ya'll make me want to get busy.
ReplyDeleteI'm planning out my next writing project and cleaning my desk so next week I can zoom into action.
I went by a used bookstore this morning and saw a book titled, New Year's Resolution, Husband. I couldn't help but think of yesterday's discussion.
THANKS, VIRGINIA! My manuscript was delivered to the New York office at 11:29 a.m. today! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on writing "The End" -- perfect way to wrap up a year!
CHRISTINA -- I'm glad you're winding down the current year at peace and anticipating the upcoming new one. I know it's just a date on the calendar, but there's something special about closing the door on one year and opening the door to a fresh new one, isn't there?
ReplyDeleteCYNTHIA--Sounds like you have a nice way to end the year!
ReplyDeleteHi CONNIE! Congrats on getting organized and geared up to launch into your writing in 2012!
ReplyDeleteGlynna, congrats big time on getting that book packaged and out the door!! WooHoo! I'm celebrating with you!!
ReplyDeleteOKay, back to the topic at hand : )
You are so right. Too often we focus on the things we didn't do and underemphasize the things we did do.
Celebrating accomplishments is something I'd like to work on this next year.
And READING! Why do I always feel a wee bit guilty when I snuggle down with a good book? I love reading and have short changed that passion in favor of "accomplishing just a bit more."
This is such a good time to reflect on the things we've done right and start preparing our attitudes to keep the positive going strong into 2012!
Fun discussion, Ladies! (I haven't seen Walt or ? here today....Having a moment and can't remember our other male contributor).
ReplyDeleteNot sure what I can add. I do want to ask Carol if her book title is really "Finding Mr. Write." Well, maybe the hero is a novelist? Or, the title is "Finding Mr. Right?"
I am someone who sets too many goals in many different areas and often falls short (Gee, I wonder why?)
I don't want to go out on a limb and set 2012 goals until I really pray about them and think about them, make them measurable and having a deadline. I did become committed to two small critique groups this year, which was a goal. I took several classes which were a huge help to me. In the midst of discouragement, I decided to knuckle down and work harder, which is not always the easiest decision for me. I chose 2011 as my Year of Decision and I made some important decisions, which was helpful. Not knowing what to do has been my downfall. :(
I'm looking forward to 2012 and would love to win Cara's book.
cathy underscore shouse at yahoo dot com
Oops. I'm tired.
ReplyDeleteIf Cara would like to send a book, that's great.
I think I'll put my name in the official drawing for Glynna's book though!
Glynna I plan on the same one this coming year a books from each state of the USA plus more Aussie books. will stick to 100 as when I get a job it could cut down on reading time. I have still got power and at about 40% of Mississippi read so should get it read by Saturday night
ReplyDeleteoh the temp for Saturday (when i get home) just over 100 for Sunday about 107!!!!!!!!!!! I have to walk home from the bus in the heat not fun.
I've been doing odd jobs around the house. Come the new year, I'll be ready for a fresh start.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
AUDRA -- A friend of mine who's written over 100 books told me years ago when I was just seriously getting started on my writing journey: "READ every day, WRITE every day. and LISTEN to your editor." The trick, though, is to be self-disciplined enough not to ONLY read to the neglect of all the other demands in our lives! :)
ReplyDeleteCATHY--I think the trick to goal setting is to limit the main "deal breaker" ones to a realistic few that nevertheless stretch us, then have subsets of "would be nice" ones that are icing on the cake. :)
ReplyDeleteJENNY -- I can't imagine it being that hot while we're having overnight lows in the single digits here! Good luck on finishing that last book before the New Year!
ReplyDeleteMARYBELLE -- Sounds as if you're well on your way to be ready for the new year, too! I'm determined to keep checking things off my list today and tomorrow, then whatever isn't done by the weekend will just have to wait for 2012 so I can spend some time thinking about my next books!
ReplyDeleteAUDRA -- A friend of mine who's written over 100 books told me years ago when I was just seriously getting started on my writing journey: "READ every day, WRITE every day. and LISTEN to your editor." The trick, though, is to be self-disciplined enough not to ONLY read to the neglect of all the other demands in our lives! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Glynna. I will use the title full time writer as a spin on unemployed.
ReplyDeleteand will see you all tomorrow.
What can I bring to the party?
Not too much time left but I am getting in as much reading as possible!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the draw:
janet(underscore)kerr(at)msn(dot)com