2018 Writing & Professional Development Goals
Last year, I started the year by setting some very specific goals—complete with timelines and lots of stuff plugged into my calendar—for the writing I wanted to do in 2017. And then this happened:
This year, I’m revisiting most of those goals and will be recreating a plan to get them accomplished this year. These include goals for actual writing (word count, manuscript timeline, etc.), professional development (study, online courses/workshops, conference attendance), social media strategy, and writing space optimization/organization.
Writing Goals/Challenges
Even though I have several professional development goals mixed in the handwritten list, are the writing goals I’ve set for myself in 2018:
- Plan, draft, and self-edit a complete novel/novella manuscript.
- Timed 60 minutes “writing time” each day (writing and/or story-related tasks).
- Schedule at least one time per month (Sunday afternoon?) to write away from home (e.g., coffee shop, library).
- Review all old notebooks and computer files for story ideas.
- Set timelines and a schedule for all writing goals!
Professional Development Goals/Challenges
As mentioned, several of my professional development goals are included in my handwritten Writing Challenge list. Here they all are together:
- Get actively involved in RWA/Music City Romance Writers chapter.
- Attend writing/reader-related events as often as possible (Southern Kentucky Bookfest, Southern Festival of Books, local bookstore events, etc.)
- Read at least one craft-of-writing book per quarter.
- Critically read at least one project-related novel/novella per quarter.
- Reconsider/research/rebuild social media strategy.
- Do something at least once a quarter face to face with other writers (group meetings, coffee meetups, workshops, etc.).
- October 4–7: Moonlight & Magnolias writing conference in Atlanta.
- Attend at least one online seminar/workshop/course (through RWA or SkillShare).
What are your goals for professional (or personal) development and/or writing this year?
KayeDacus.com 
I want to finish another book this year. I want to write at least 5 days each week. I’m going to read books on writing. I am going to try my hand at writing a short story….maybe submit to Women’s World. Get back into the FUN of writing. I lost it awhile back. 😉
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Let’s hold each other’s feet to the fire of commitment this year–and remind each other to have fun writing!
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Yes! I like that idea! I need accountability.
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