It took me most of the morning to flesh out these goals—and some of them still aren’t as specific as I’d like them to be, but I wanted to go ahead and get this up today. Because I now no longer work full-time, writing has become pretty much my main “job,” with freelancing bringing in the regular funds needed for day-to-day living. Even though I’ve been doing this since last August, 2009 is the year that will show me if this is a sustainable lifestyle/career option for me or not.

So, let’s get started.

1. Judge in at least two contests for unpublished authors.

• ACFW Genesis contest. I already know I’ll be judging in this one, because I do every year.
• Possibly an RWA contest, since romance is my area of expertise and it’s the genre I feel the best capable of judging with any kind of authority.

2. Submit four applications to teach at the ACFW conference.

I may submit the same four I submitted last year, or I may work up something different. Whatever they are, I need to figure that out pretty quickly.

3. Writing Conferences.

I am going to try to attend two conferences this year: Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers’ Conference, which several other people in my local group are thinking of attending, and ACFW, which I attend every year.

4. Ransome’s Honor

• Currently working on edits based on feedback from HH editor.
• Turn in RH on or before deadline of February 1, 2009.

5. A Case for Love (100,000 words, due July 1, 2009)

• Complete first draft of ACFL by April 15 by writing an average of 1,000 words per day.
• First round of edits April 20–30.
• To Beta Readers by May 1.
• Back from Beta Readers by May 29.
• Final revisions/edits, May 29–June 19.
• Turn in ACFL on or before deadline of July 1, 2009.

6. Ransome’s Crossing (105,000 words, due December 1, 2009)

• Pre-writing/scenes/minor research through April 15.
• Begin first draft in earnest April 16, 2009.
• Finish (rough) first draft by July 24 by writing an average of 1,000 words per day.
• Additional research and revisions, August 1–31.
• To Beta Readers by September 1.
• Back from Beta Readers by September 30.
• Rewrites, revisions, and final research October 1–November 20.
• Turn in RC on or before deadline of December 1, 2009.

7. The Matchmakers Series (new contemporary romance trilogy)

• First three chapters of Love Remains complete by April 30.
• Love Remains synopsis complete by May 8.
• Cover Model synopsis complete by May 22.
• Turn About’s Fair Play synopsis complete by June 5.
• Proposal complete by June 15.
• Proposal submitted to Chip MacGregor on or before June 20, 2009.
• Begin writing Love Remains August 1. Complete first draft by October 31.
• Love Remains to Beta Readers on January 1, 2010.

8. Marketing

• Get new headshots taken.
• Participate in/set up at least six book signings.
• Look into different marketing ideas (such as book trailers or other publicity venues).
• Start budgeting for a real website.
• Go on at least one book-signing tour outside of my home area.
• Follow up with Waldenbooks in the Hot Springs mall to set up book signing event for May or June.
• Participate in book signing at ACFW conference in September.
• Find out if Stand-In Groom is eligible to be entered for the ACFW Book of the Year/RWA RITA awards in 2009.

9. Freelancing

• Pick up 2–3 additional publishers to freelance for by following up on leads, contacting non-traditional sources.
• Generate enough income from freelancing to start rebuilding savings account.

10. Teaching

• Follow up with community college regarding opportunities to substitute and/or adjunct teach.
• Submit at least four proposals to teach at ACFW conference.
• Contact all (small) local colleges about opportunities to guest lecture or provide special seminars.
• Teach at least nine writing-craft/industry series through kayedacus.com.