To be honest, it's taken me until now to catch up after the Christmas break. After a few failed starts, I'm spinning out a new story - or rather, re-working an old one. I'm also trying not to think about my completed novel, Breakwater, while it dips a tentative toe into the world of publishing Early days, but very exciting so far.
So what about the goals? Usually, my first instinct is to throw in as many benchmarks as possible, but this year I've decided to take a more measured approach and set five only:
1) Craft the new manuscript with patience, care and dedication. Make it my best work to-date.
I always thought I worked hard enough until I read Laini Taylor's amazing collection of essays about her approach to writing - Not for Robots. I might not follow all her methods, but I'm definitely going to try lots of them, particularly paying attention to the hard work & revisions section.
2) Write 3 short stories.
I don't usually write short stories, but I had some success with one of my pieces last year when it was shortlisted for the Frome Short Story Competition. I'd like to set aside some time to try a few more - a ghost story, a sci-fi and maybe a fairytale retelling.
3) Attend 5 events that improve my writing skills.
As a member of SCBWI, I've been lucky enough to attend some amazing talks and workshops, but I'm keen to absorb even more! I've signed up for the SCBWI North-West events this year, and I'd love to visit a literary festival.
4) Support the UK YA Publishing industry.
This deserves a place here because the more I read, the better I write!
5) Get Taken On by a Fabulous Agent
I've saved the biggest (and hardest) until last, but like every aspiring writer, I'd love to be represented. I can't think of anything better than being able to collaborate with an industry professional and take my work to the next level.
So there they are - short and and relatively sweet. Let's find out what 2012 brings.
