Tayari's Blog: 2006 IS THE YEAR OF THE WRITER
Posted by TayariJones on December 28, 2005 08:19 AM
Filed under
The Writing Life
The new year is upon us and it is time to start thinking about what I want to accomplish in the new year. Of course, I have made some personal resolutions in an attempt to find some inner peace or whatever. But it's also time to make some plans in terms of my reading and writing life.
The key, I think, to keeping up with resolutions is to try and be realistic. Don't say that you'll get up at three a.m. and write for two hours before heading to work. You can't possibly keep it up. Instead, just vow to get up at four a.m., one weekday per week, and that you will get up every Saturday and write on that day, too. For really busy people, you have to accept that you can't write as often as someone who has fewer responsibilities. So, you get the idea. Here are my plans:
1. I will insititute the return of the POWER HOURS. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, I will spend three morning hours on my manuscript. Also, mandatory is two hours of professional development per week. This includes things like filling out applications for grants or awards, colonies, etc.
2. I plan to limit the time spend promoting the books I've already written. I feel like I gave The Untelling a big push in 05 and I think my effortds paid off, but other aspects of my life have suffered. I am not planning on becomming one of those writers that think that they are too cute to sign books, give readings, etc, but I am going to scale it all down.
3. I will save more money. What does this have to do with writing? Money equals time. If I buy fewer shoes and other trinkets, I will have more money to sock away for a time when I really need money. Let's say I need to travel to Atlanta for an extended time to research for my new book. I'll need money to do it. Let's say I want to hire an assistant or a publicist in case something unexpected but marvellous happens. That takes money. OR what if I need to take a little hiatus from my job? More money. I want to use my money for what is important to ME. So, it's time to save. A long time ago, Pearl Cleage told me, save your money, wear cheap shoes. Don't get so harnessed with debt that all you can do is work that pays and pays right now. Protect your leisure.
4. Each month, I will make sure I have done one tangible thing to be a good citizen of the writing community. This involves doing events with school kids, reading manuscripts for friends, writing letters of recommendations, etc. Afterall, someone took the time to help me join the fold. It's time to give back.
So here are mine pledges. What are yours?
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There are 3 comments on "2006 IS THE YEAR OF THE WRITER". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.
Comment #1, by Ladylee
I like what you said about trying to be realistic, i.e., "keeping it real"... My personal pledges (concerning creative writing) are pretty much the same as last year (I see no reason to amp it up)
My personal pledges for 2006...
1. Write 600 words a day. (Even though I do go over that much, that is something I can easily achieve on a daily basis)...
2. Attend one book event per year.
3. Participate in a writer's workshop (most likely online)
4. Get involved in at least one community service event this year (most likely through my book club).
Hope you meet your goals for 2006, Tayari!
And Happy Holidays!
December 28, 2005 02:22 PM
Comment #2, by danyel
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, I will spend three morning hours on my manuscript. Also, mandatory is two hours of professional development per week. This includes things like filling out applications for grants or awards, colonies, etc.
oh this is a GREAT idea. I'm going to try this, too (on different days, though).
: )
December 28, 2005 02:29 PM
Comment #3, by DizYaBoy
I love your resolutions!
Happy New Year!
January 2, 2006 12:12 PM