Thursday 3 January 2013

Goals for 2013

Happy New Year everyone! A bit late, but I got there in the end. Hope everyone had a refreshing break and you're geared up for the next twelve months.

So what do I hope to achieve this year? More writing, of course: I'm aiming for two new drafts, including a win in NaNoWriMo. Didn't manage that last year, and I'm actually still a couple of thousand words shy of 50k: so my first priority is to get that wrapped up, then I'll get back to editing my thriller The Memory Cell. Ideally I would get both of these books published this year, but I'm reluctant to set timescales, as I don't know what's around the corner. But I definitely want to push myself in that direction, get my work out there and see what happens, as scary as it seems.

Another project I want to release is my short story collection. I talked about this a bit last year, vaunting a summer release, but I think I need a bit more material. I've neglected writing short stories for a while, so my plan is to set aside one day a week - probably a Friday - for either writing or editing them.

I also have something else up my sleeve, and for this I'm going to need help from all of you! It's a fundraising venture to help send my stepson, who suffers from cerebral palsy, to a specialist college in England - a place that will help him to flourish and shine. The first step in this project will come in the form of my first ever blogfest, which I'm planning for February or March. Stay tuned for more details soon! In the meantime, if you want to keep up with Andrew's progress, you can follow his blog, On The Road To College, or his Facebook page.

And finally, like many of you, I'm still working on finding the balance between keeping up with all you lovely folk, and everything else that life demands! Things are getting busier all the time, but I know I'm not alone in this dilemma. Any tips gratefully received! Here's to a happy and productive 2013 for all of us!

30 comments:

David P. King said...

I'm very much in the middle of figuring out some new goals for this year myself, with some, like you, I need to touch on much more than I at the moment, but you've got a solid start.

Happy New Year to you! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Any date but March 18 and I am in!! (That's my next blogfest.) You say the word and I shall spread the news.

Chuck said...

Nick I will def be on board with your blogfest...just say when. Sounds like you have a busy year planned and I too suffer from the collapse of the space-time continuum that results in running out of day before I am ready.

Luanne G. Smith said...

Not too late to say Happy New Year!

A blogfest to help Andrew get to school sounds like genius to me. And good luck with the writing projects, too.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Good luck Nick with your short story collection. I too hope to get my story collection published. Will be crossing my fingers for the two of us :)

Nicole said...

Happy New Year, Nick! I'm working on finding that balance too. Your blogfest sounds awesome - I'll stay tuned.

Lisa Regan said...

I hope 2013 brings you and your family lots of success and happy surprises! :)

Francene Stanley said...

It's great to work towards a plan. However, don't rush so fast that you miss the scenery. Tiny details make up the NOW,

Kyra Lennon said...

Happy New Year, Nick! Good luck with everything!

Suzanne Furness said...

Happy New Year, Nick. Look forward to hearing more about your blogfest.

Cynthia said...

May this year bring good things to you and your family. Sounds like you have a productive writing year ahead of you.

It can be a challenge to juggle all the things that we do. For example, right now it's 2 a.m. in California- I'm catching up on my blog visits right now. But just do what you can, and give yourself permission to take breaks.

Please keep us updated about the blogfest you're planning.

Anonymous said...

Good luck! I've also been looking at my goals too. So made a list of magazines etc that I'd like to get published in too.
Nice to have a focus.

Ashna said...

Happy New Year! Good luck with your books and all that you're trying to achieve :)

kjmckendry said...

Happy New Year Nick! Count me in for your blogfest!
I need something that will stop time for just an hour or two each day, maybe then I could get almost everything done.

Julie Dao said...

Sounds like you have a very busy and productive 2013 coming up! Best wishes and good luck with everything :D

Unknown said...

Sheesh, balance is definitely the key. I wish you all the best with finishing your short story collection and getting your ms edited. May 2013 treat you well! :)

JeffO said...

Sounds like a good set of goals. Best of luck in achieving them!

C.B. Wentworth said...

Happy New Year! :-) I wish you luck in achieving your goals.

Nick Wilford said...

David - Thanks, hope you get stuff worked out, I was sorry to read about your health issues.

Alex - Thanks! Much appreciated.

Chuck - Thanks! If only we could stretch space and time to our will.

Luanne - Thanks. I hope lots will get on board with the blogfest.

Rachna - Thanks. We can cheer each other on!

Nicole - Thanks! More news will come soon.

Lisa - Thanks! You too!

Francene - Thanks - I'll try to remember to stop and smell the roses. :)

Kyra - Thanks! Right back atcha. :)

Nick Wilford said...

Suzanne - Thanks!

Cynthia - Thanks. Feel like the juggling is neverending - but time out is important.

Freya - Thanks! Good luck with the submissions.

Ashna - Thanks!

Kathy - Thanks. Let us know if you invent such a machine. :)

Julie - Thanks, same to you. :)

Candilynn - Thanks. You've had a great start to the year - I'm sure it will just get better!

Jeff - Thanks!

C.B. - Thanks. :)

Kelley Lynn said...

Happy New Year! Two new drafts including NaNo! Great goals :) Here's to 2013!

Romance Reader said...

Happy New Year Nick and all the best with the upcoming projects. Hope it's not too cold in Carluke at this time of year.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Nick - supporting Andrew seems an excellent goal for 2013 - count me in. I have a feeling there was an appeal late last year ... I must check back and see what I can do ..

Cheers Hilary

Stu Ayris said...

Count me in for any help you need mate! And thanks for reading The Bird That Nobody Sees - cheers for the review too. You are very kind!!!

Get your work out there this year mate!! Do it!!!

Meradeth Houston said...

Sounds like some great goals you've set! Good luck!

DL Hammons said...

Excellent reason for a blogfest! I'm in! Good luck in 2013!! :)

Nick Wilford said...

Kelley - Thanks! Same to you and good look with your debut launch. :)

Nas - Thanks. Actually it's been surprisingly mild.

Hilary - We had two auctions late last year - they're done, but there's more to come! Thanks for signing up for the blogfest!

Stu - No problem! I loved it.

I'm working on putting stuff out there...

Meradeth - Thanks!

Don - Thanks. You too!

Christine Rains said...

Excellent goals! Good luck and have a great 2013.

DEZMOND said...

great goals for 2013, Nick. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for your plans for the stepson!

Jo Schaffer said...

Happy New Year! (=