April writing check-in

This year is rumbling along faster than my writer-self likes. Already a third of the way through 2024, it’s time to be accountable for the goals I set in January’s blog post and see how I’ve done so far.

For me, the best way to achieve goals is by working to deadlines.

Goal 1

Finalise a synopsis

I’ve completed 500- and 1,000-word synopses (thanks to competition deadlines).

I’m planning to have a 400-word synopsis completed by mid-May.

Finalise a query letter

Not done… no motivating deadline attached to this – yet!

Goal 2

Pitch my manuscript

I’ve booked my pitches in for August…

Goal 3

Run through a few more drafts and polish it (my manuscript) up

I’ve progressed on the current draft and have committed to sending chunks of 10,000 words per week to an initial beta reader. The plan is to address their feedback in the next draft and get it out to other beta readers so it can be polished for pitching in August.

Goal 4

Keep blogging – I’m aiming for one blog post a month. Any more is a bonus (for me). It’s all writing!

It sure is and so far, I’m on track, one post a month!

Goal 5

Contribute to flash fiction and writing competitions

– Entered the inaugural RWA flash fiction competition.

– I’ve entered three writing competitions so far this year (apart from the preparation that goes into entering the competitions, the gold here is the judges feedback).

– The competitions’ requirements forced me tackle the synopses. I love that kind of motivation. More importantly it made me distill my manuscript into the essentials and now I’m constantly referring back to the 1000-word synopsis to ensure the manuscript’s storyline, romance and tension are on track.

* Accountability + Goals = Progress.