Writing Wednesday
Wednesday is the day I share what I have learned on my journey to being published, marketing, writing and publishing again.
Focus
2014 got off to a devastating start for me. I lost my father on January 10th and one of my closest friends on February 24th, my birthday. I struggled to find my words for a few months but I was determined to finish several projects before the year ended. It seems to take me forever to find my writing groove every fall after a summer of slow down. Just when I feel I am caught up the holidays arrive. It’s not like I don’t know they are coming, they arrive at the same time every year. I did put in extra hours this fall and I did manage, somehow to catch up. My word for 2014 was finish and I cut it very close but I did finish most of the projects on my list, including my second book. 
The Stranger In My Recliner is done, for now and I am waiting for a production schedule. I cannot wait to share Sophie’s story.
My word for 2015 was going to be organize. I had breakfast on Christmas Eve with a few members of my writing group HotPenz7 and friend, Annmarie Kelly (Happy Hour Radio, Victorious Woman) said her word for 2015 was going to be focus. Focus sounds so much more important than organize so I am going with it too.
How did I ever remember when to pick up my kids and from where, doctor appointments, days off of school and everything else including my work responsibilities without a plan, a schedule and a calendar?
Looking ahead to this New Year, I am full of hope and words that I cannot wait to write. I just need a plan because I can’t seem to remember anything these days.
Weekly word counts worked so well for me I am going to stick with them. Daily word counts caused me to fail and to feel like a failure every single day. With weekly counts I always feel there is always a chance to catch up if I fall behind. I am going to go with 5,000 words a week. That number feels comfortable and achievable. Focusing may be a bit tougher. In January I will be busy planning. I will be creating a schedule for writing, blogging and living for the entire year.
If I focus, I should have a second draft of The Father’s Pain by June.
I have a lot of friends who are committed to finishing books in 2015 for many it will be their first. I am excited for them and it feels good to have so many to cheer on and to celebrate with.
2014 is leaving with a few chunks of my heart but it also held many blessings and for them I am so grateful. Change and saying goodbye to this year feels hard but I know moving on and living does not mean I have forgotten.
Do you have a word for 2015, writing goals or do you make resolutions? I wish you a healthy, focused, happy, and successful 2015.
Happy New Year,
Doreen
18 thoughts on “Writing Wednesday/Focus”
Congratulations on a fabulous FINISH! I’m so sorry your year started off on such a sad and tragic note. My condolences on your losses. Best wishes to a warm and wonderful — and productive — 2015!
I have no chosen word… but have been pondering it as several posts of late have mentioned chosen words and the difference they made.
Cheers!
Thank you and the same to you and your family. Just choosing one word is so easy to remember and succeed.
Congratulation! What an accomplishment, your 2nd book! For me, no resolutions, no chosen word.
Happy New Year!
Thank you and Happy New Year to you too!
Will be writing about my word tomorrow but it probably should be organize, too. Congratulations on accomplishing your “Finish” goal — that’s awesome. Happy new year, and looking forward to following your journey in 2015. xo
Thank you and good luck with your word!
I admire your diligence and how you reached your goal. Again, so sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Carol! Happy New Year to you!
I do love resolutions, but I don’t know that I am going to make them this year (except for the annual lose 20 pounds resolution). However, I am going to get better at playing my ukulele! Working on “When I’m 64” now! Happy New Year Doreen!
I sure do hope to see a video of the ukulele playing:)
So excited for you that your second book is done! I look forward to hearing about your next book. And I also look forward to reading more of your posts. Happy New Year, Doreen!
Thank you and I wish you happy writing and a happy New Year!
You inspire me Doreen. I love how you are COMPLETING and CONTINUING. I think my word for 2015 will be CONTINUE TO. Continue to _________ and I will fill in the blank as the year progresses. Happy New Year
Continue is awesome too. I definitely plan to continue finishing! Happy New Year!
You continue to inspire me Doreen, and you give me a reason to look forward to reading every Wednesday! I am eager to read book #2 and #3 and join you in your commitment to FOCUS! Happy New Year!
Thank you Ruth, I am looking forward to puzzling my way through 2015 with you! Happy New Year!
You always inspire and encourage me. Don’t know where I’d be without all your help.
Thank you Toni!