It is a writing challenge that runs across the year in four rounds, inspiring you to set adaptable writing goals. As a sponsor, it's my role to write one inspirational piece per round, as well as visit other members' blogs each week to offer encouragement and support. It's a pretty sweet deal as I get handed a list of inspirational writers and get told to go and read their blogs. It is a great community and I love being part of it.
However, for the last round I was absent. I took a break, largely because I didn't know what I was doing, about life and everything else. And I missed it.
But now I'm back, better than ever!
So, I need to set some goals for this Round!
In less than a fortnight I'm going to be starting full time work again, in a new state and city, with an unusual shift roster. I have absolutely no idea how well or poorly I'm going to adapt to the change in climate (Brisbane is tropical, compared to frozen little Melbourne), the new work routine, and the new setting. Which is why I love this challenge, because it accepts that I might have to change my goals as life hurls its abuse and generosity at me.
Having said that, the basics of my writing goals should stay the same:
1. write new drafts, starting with a season of Romance writing (exciting, no?)
2. edit already written drafts and get them published (yah!)
3. work with clients: editing, publishing and promoting their books (having finished one round, they are all writing sequels!)
4. keep building my online presence (mainly blogging and facebook at the moment).
So, the plan is to do something towards each of these five days per week, with writing new drafts the most important goal.
Yup, it's a lot of work, and a bit overwhelming, but as the internet marketers say, it's all about the hustle. I've tried giving up my day job, and that didn't help me at all to get more done. And I'm never going to be in a better position to make it as a writer than now. So, tally ho!
And I'm a firm believer that dreaming big is the best way to go. It is easier to achieve outrageous goals than just mediumly difficult goals, because mediumly difficult goals usually aren't worth the effort, while ridiculous goals fill you with joy just thinking that they might be achieved. Think about it.
Anyone else got ridiculous goals?
Welcome back! I started last round near the end and I've found the experience to be very helpful. Good luck with the new job; as someone who has worked 3rd and late 2nd shift for the last decade or so, I can definitely sympathize with how tough a weird shift can be.
ReplyDeleteHappy writing!
Thanks Kathy! Looking forward to seeing you around.
DeleteWelcome back, Buffy! I faced the new city, new climate, new job thing almost two years ago, and have never yearned for the old job or the old place once.
ReplyDeleteAmbitious goals, but stretch goals are good. Mine are very small--relearning habits and starting with baby steps after a difficult 4th Round. Good to have you back!
Good to see you here ROWing along with again, Buffy. Sounds like a nice rounded set of goals actually... maybe a bit ambitious, but you have a realistic attitude toward the process in general. Best to you.
ReplyDeleteSo what's the new job entail? I'm sure you'll adapt wonderfully to the new setting. I read your bio, and you sound like someone with a strong spirit and an appetite for adventure. With those in your favor, there's little to stand in your way. Good luck with your goals!
ReplyDeleteHey Joe, I'm institutionalizing myself. That is to say, I'm off to be a boarding house supervisor for a girls school. They feed me, house me, and ring nice little bells when I should be writing, then pay me to pretend to be cool and knowledgeable in the evening. Not bad, huh?
DeleteThanks everyone for the warm welcome back! See, this is why I love ROW80! And now I have to keep writing, because I wouldn't want to let all you wonderful people down. So, to the word document!
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