New Year, New Look, New Goals


Once again, I’m choosing to create a list of goals rather than a list of resolutions for the New Year.

But first, a quick look back. I had two dreams for 2012. One was to see my book in print. The other was to take a trip out west. Neither one happened. So much for dreams.

My goals worked out a little better. I did finish my rewrite. I did propose some new articles to Pennsylvania Magazine. On the downside, The Agent decided she wasn't the right one for me and that I needed an agent in New York. Unfortunately, the New York agents didn’t like the manuscript near as much as The Los Angeles Agent did. And my editor at Pennsylvania Magazine wasn’t bowled over with my story ideas. So neither of those two things worked out so well.

But I did my part.

On the other hand, I successfully returned to my treadmill and workout routine and lost over 15 pounds. Yay, me!

In recent weeks, I’ve been pondering the coming year and what I want to accomplish. And how I can get there. I’ve shelved the racetrack mystery AGAIN, and I’m back at work on the Pete and Zoe series. I’ve updated my web site to reflect the new direction I’m taking. So now, the goal thing.

First and foremost, I intend to generate income. I have three ideas for Pennsylvania Magazine, so I intend to start pitching within the next week.

Second, I’m going to start querying Circle of Influence, the first Pete and Zoe mystery. I’m giving it six months. If nothing comes of it, I’m going to send it to some small presses I’ve heard good things about. While I’m doing that, I will finish drafting Sins of the Fathers, the second Pete and Zoe mystery, also known as my Work in Progress.

Short term goals also include a short story I’ve finished drafting and need to polish for a January 31 deadline for our local Sisters in Crime anthology. Even shorter term, I plan to write and submit an article to the National Sisters in Crime newsletter.

And as for last year’s dream of going out west? It’s more than a dream for 2013. I’m making it happen. Plans…SERIOUS plans are in the works. Stay tuned.

Finally, you may have noticed the look of this blog has changed in an effort to more closely match my website. More changes may be forthcoming, but they’re still simmering inside my brain at the moment.

Now, what are YOUR goals, resolutions, and dreams for the New Year?

Comments

Fred Connors said…
Nice Blog Annette. I am confident your time will come in 2013. BTW — your website looks great. Have a great year.
1/1/13, 11:02 AM
Annette said…
Thanks, Fred!
1/1/13, 11:05 AM
joanie murray said…
Sounds like great goals:) Good luck and best wishes for 2013. Make the trip happen. I do miss the desert sometimes.
1/2/13, 1:54 PM
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