Monday 21 November 2011

Targets, Goals and Motivation


So that's us into week four of NaNoWriMo and it's been an interesting experiment. Since November has been a busy month in general, I never really thought I'd make the target 50,000 words. But I'm still following my own target of writing another bit of the novel every single morning before getting distracted with online activity, or going out, and I really feel the benefit of getting back into that kind of routine. Still not sure if I'm concentrating on the right novel but I might as well try and finish it - even if it's by the end of the year rather than the end of November!

My thoughts always turn to writing goals towards the end of a year as I love a new start in January. I don't always write them down, but usually have some big goal in mind, in addition to writing and redrafting the shorter pieces. Getting at least one novel published has come to fruition and another goal to see my first tween novel published is coming true in March. This coming year, I'd love to have my mainstream novel accepted by a UK publisher and I'm redrafting it to send out before this year ends.

But we all need motivation to keep going. All my blogging friends and writing colleagues help to keep me writing (thank you!) as we're encouraged by successes, sympathetic in rejections, and empathetic about the struggle it sometimes is to remain optimistic. So to motivate us all for the coming year, here are two blogs to sign up to for challenges in 2012, although some may already have found their way to them. Both are the brainchild of Sally Quilford and can be used as a double motivation if you're so inclined.

The first is the Pocketeers blog - for all writers interested in writing a pocket novel of the type published by My Weekly and People's Friend, which both require 50,000 words.

The second is Sally's '100,000 words in 100 days' challenge - completely feasible at a mere 1,000 words of writing a day, of any kind. So we could try a pocket novel AND part of a novel, or some short stories all in the time scale. It's all the motivation I need to keep on with the good writing habits, and it certainly helps knowing other writers are taking up the same challenge.

Onwards and upwards!
Rosemary

11 comments:

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

Glad all is going well with NaNo and best of luck for all your ambitions for 2012.

Those are interesting challenges, thanks for the links.

Joanna said...

Thanks Rosemary. Anything that aids motivation is worth trying. Like you, I am spending part of every day on the novel. I found I wrote a lot by getting up early on Saturday and Sunday morning when the house was quiet and writing in my pyjamas. Made them a bit inky...

That extra weekend writing made this morning feel easier. It didn't take long to feel swept into the current once more. And it made the weekend feel special because I didn't have to miss the writing at all. I just packed up at 9am and went to have a shower and start the 'real' day.

Elizabeth McKay said...

I'm standing on the sidelines cheering you on, Rosemary, and have no doubt you'll complete your wordcount even if it takes to the end of the year. My writing seems to have taken a nosedive at the moment as even now there seems to be so much more to do and people to catch up with before Christmas. Like you, I always look forward to the 'new start' feeling that I get in January and am compiling a list so that I'm ready to go as soon as the decorations come down. I like Joanna's idea of getting up early and writing in my pyjamas before the real day starts, so I might give that a try.

Talli Roland said...

Two great challenges - thanks, Rosemary! Bring on 2012.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Debs - we all need a little challenge sometimes!

Joanna - great to hear how well you're doing with your own writing challenge. Sounds a good idea getting started so early!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Betty. It's a strange time of year for writers, as so much else encroaches. Good luck with trying Joanna's pyjama strategy!

You're welcome, Talli - though you don't seem to need these challenges as much as some of us!

Patsy said...

I like to give myself writing goals and challenges each year - it helps me to work towards something and be able to measure progress.

Anonymous said...

Hi Rosemary, these look good. I always set a new target for a new year, maybe this will be good.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Sensible idea, Patsy.

Good luck with your next targets, Suzy!

Angela Barton said...

Hello Rosemary
I've awarded you the Liebster Blog Award. Pop along sometime and pick it up from my blog!
Love Ange xx

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Aw, that's so kind - thank you, Ange!