Monday Goals

Hey all...
I find it hard to believe we are more than half way through January. And while I've gotten things done, I'd still like to get more accomplished. So, I'm going to have to step up my goals a bit.
This week I hope to get internet at home which will help a lot. I need to get column written for Long Ridge newsletter along with some writing of my own. Plus, I've joined a live, in person critque group which I'll meet with for the first time Wednesday night. I didn't have pages ready in time for this week's meeting so I'll have to get some ready for next time.

What about you? Getting things done? Need to focus more?

Oh, be sure to update us on last week's progress.

Monday Goals

I'm starting this week behind already due to last week's infection but I'm rearing to go.  Or at least imagining rearing. :-)

I'm still planning on trying to get two columns written and I have to decide what I want to work on to take to Fen Con in Sept.  I didn't get to go last year but had already paid.  Thankfully, they carry over memberships and workshop payments to the next year.  But now, I need a fantasy novel for the writer's workshop. 

Also, I just joined a live critique group that's part of my local writer's group so must have pages for that this week too.  Maybe I can combine this with the above goal.  :-)

Let me know what you've got planned.

Today is Dragon Appreciation Day.  Personally I think dragons need a month of their own to be properly appreciated (or at least a week).  I mean, could there be a more awesome critter?

So, what's your favorite dragon book, movie or story?

Me, I love the movie Dragonheart with Sean Connery as the dragon.  I don't like the movie Reign of Fire though. 

And I really like Smaug and while I really didn't care for the whole Eragon book thing, I do like Saphira.

Lastly, check out Design Toscano for some really cool dragon items.

Saturday Update

Time to see how you did this week with your goals.  Me, not so good.   I've been fighting a losing battle with a sinus/respiratory infection and it finally got to the point of seeing a doc.  I did that on Thursday and feel much better today.  Thankfully! :-)

So, how'd y'all do?

Getting Organized

(Orginally published in the Long Ridge Writer's Group Newsletter Jan. 3, 2011)


January is typically a time when we focus on resolutions, goals, along with what worked or didn't in the past year. And for us writers, it's a good time to evaluate where we want to go with our writing and how to get there. It's also a good time to get organized. Here's a couple places to help you get on the right track.
First, each month Productive Flourishing  posts a new planner. For bloggers, there is The Blog Post Planner for brainstorming topics. The Blog Post Calendar lets you schedule posts and see what you have planned for the whole month on one page. I wish I'd found these earlier.

The Monthly Action Planner lets you see just what needs to be accomplished each month and breaks it down by the week. It includes major events and objectives along with a space for notes.

Need to keep up with multiple projects? The Freelancer Worksheet is the perfect tool to keep up with schedules, deadlines and time spent on each project. You'll need one for each week so print out several.

These are free to download with new planners being posted toward the end of each month. If you prefer not to wait, you can pay a small charge and download a whole year of planners at one time.

Next, over at SpaceJock  you'll find two really nice tools created for writers, by a writer. And again, these are free to download.

Sonar 3 is a manuscript tracking program that tracks submissions, markets, rejections, and sales. You can see what works you have out and which ones need to be submitted. Not only can Sonar 3 be used for short stories and nonfiction articles but novel submissions as well. Sonar 3 is easy to learn and simple to use.

You'll also find the yWriter software at Spacejock. This is a word processor that breaks your novel into chapters and scenes. It won't write your novel for you or make plot suggestions but if you're the kind of writer who likes to be organized, then this may work for you. Again, it's a fairly simple program to learn and use.

Norman Vincent Peale once said, "All successful people have a goal. No one can get anywhere unless he knows where he wants to go and what he wants to be or do." I hope these tools help you visualize and reach your goals.

Lagniappe: Share your weekly goals and progress Under the Troll's Bridge  with our new Monday Goals & Friday Praises series of posts. We'll even break out the prod if needed. :-)

Monday Goals

Monday again and time to get things lined out for the week.  What do you want to get done before Saturday?

Me, I'll be working on column and revisions.  Plus, I have a short story I need/want to finish along with some market research to do.

January Contest

Become a follower of this blog during the month of January and be entered to win a writer's book of some sort.  I'll even include those who became followers before January so everyone has a chance to win.  There will probably be two winners since I have two books at this time.  Maybe more by the end of the month.  :-)

Saturday Update...

It's time to let us know how you did on your goals and what you got accomplished this week.  Remember, even a small step forward is a good thing so blow your own horn.  :-)

I managed to get my column written, the second one roughed out in my head, and will finish up the writing group newsletter today.   I even managed to start working on revising a WIP.

Poetry Anyone?

This past weekend my daughter and I headed over to the mall to look around.  It's a short trip now...about 7 or 8 minutes verses the hour and half it used to be. One of the benefits of city life.  :-)  In the middle of the walkway was a lady selling all sorts of calendars.  And, they were half off the full price.  Naturally I had to check them out.  And naturally, one came home with me.

It's a Magnetic Poetry calendar with about 200 little magnetic word pieces and a magnetic board to play on. Very cool and I've decided it's kinda fun too.  The word restrictions make for some interesting ideas and really get the brain thinking.

So...I think we all need to try some poetry.  It doesn't have to rhyme, no need for following any special form either.  Just share a poem with us...about any subject.  And no, it doesn't have to be perfect, this is just a creative exercise for fun. 

I'll share one of mine soon.  :-)

Just had to share...

I took this from my backyard last week. 

Monday Goals

Weekly goals is one way to make sure we get things accomplished.  Not only does sharing our goals in such an open forum help us to achieve them, it helps us see how much we get accomplished over time.  Plus, having someone else to be accountable to is a great motivator. 

So, share your goals for this week in the comment section and we'll be glad to prod or cheer you along.

Drumroll...please!

During 2011 I'll be writing a weekly column for the Long Ridge Writer's Group newsletter.  I'll be sharing websites, resources and other helpful writing links.  The newsletter comes out each Monday and you can find it by clinking on the above link, then clicking on Writing Craft, then Newsletters. 

Each newsletter will be on the Long Ridge website for about three weeks however I'll be posting the column here the week after it comes out in the newsletter.  That way they will be archived online and searchforable.  (Yes, I know searchforable isn't a word.)

I'm really excited about this column and the places I've got in mind to spotlight. I think you'll like 'em too. :-)

Happy New Year!!!

We've made it to another January. And I believe 2011 will be a great one.  I've got some exciting things in the works and will be sharing a lot of them with you.  So be sure to check back often.

Here's a preview...

A new column.
A weekly goal setting series.
Picture prompts.
Contests.
Markets.
Interviews with publishing professionals.
Reviews.

You don't want to miss out.