Linda Nagata: the blog at Hahví.net


Writing Goals For 2014

January 1st, 2014

Happy New Year!

Back in 2011, when I was just getting serious about indie publishing, I started posting an annual list of writing goals that I would try to accomplish in the ensuing year. “Goals” in this sense are things that I can accomplish through my own efforts and perseverance, as opposed to “dreams” which require the cooperation of others (for example, having a novel sell madly well) .

So here are my writing goals for 2014:

1. Revise and polish the existing first draft of my next novel, The Red: Trials. Publication is tentatively scheduled for May.

2. Write and finish two more Zeke Choy stories, bringing to an end the cycle that began with “Nahiku West” and continued in “Out In The Dark.” If I can pull it off, the last story will be long, maybe a novella.
Vast_thumb_83
3. Write the initial draft of another novel. I’ve been debating what that novel should be, and though I haven’t decided yet, it will almost certainly be a sequel to something. Maybe this one?…>>

4. Write at least three pieces of short fiction that are not part of the Zeke Choy cycle.

5. Write at least three nonfiction posts that I feel comfortable marketing to high-circulation websites. (Nonfiction is very hard for me.)

That’ll do it. This is already feeling far too ambitious.

Posted on: Wednesday, January 1st, 2014 at 7:00 am
Categories: Annual Writing Goals, Writing.
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4 Responses to “Writing Goals For 2014”

  1. Glen Says:

    I don’t understand the qualification on #5; I find this BLOG both entertaining and informative (see how writers *struggle*, Glen :).

    But whatever, my success on the 2013 goals was certainly mixed (only posted to your http://hahvi.net/?p=2591&cpage=1#comment-20275 but never forgotten). I did get to visit my parents, I’m stronger but not lighter, and I can fix my own Linux (I’m encountering significant resistance talking anyone else into switching…), but the jumping off something solid…, kinda depended upon this guy –> http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/21/sports/mario-richard-base-jumper-and-sky-diver-dies-at-47.html –> so that’s become an alternate history for me, easy to envision & almost remember, but I’m now on a different timeline.

  2. Linda Says:

    Hi Glen,
    I think the two links in your comment caused it to be held for approval, but it’s free now. 😉

    And yes, base jumping is probably best kept on an alternative timeline. I don’t want to be losing my readers! 🙂

    As for #5…it’s easy chatting here, but it’s a lot harder to put together a coherent, interesting post for people who have never heard of me. Writers like Charles Stross or David Brin just amaze me with their ability to come up with interesting posts so very often.

    Thanks for sticking with me, and best wishes for 2014.

  3. Robert Crookall Says:

    While I’m looking forward to the possible sequel to Memory, a sequel to Vast would be awesome and very much appreciated too!!! 🙂

  4. Linda Says:

    Thanks Robert!