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11/16/2005: "Update and the Uber-Challenge"

We're still on puppy watch until she's officially out of the woods. So we're taking her to my friend's house so she can run around without being tempted by all the things she loves to eat: rocks, bark, weeds complete with roots. Mmmmm. At my friend's house, she gets into grass and leaves, but those won't hurt her. Oy. We just want our gal healthy!

So I'm taking the Neo and I'm going to write down there. The book was officially due yesterday. It will be turned in on Monday. ::sigh:: I used to get books in on time, every time. What the hell happened to me? Oh, maybe getting a tiny life? It doesn't matter, because the goal for 2006 is DISCIPLINE.

I try to take one thing every year and focus on it. One year it was description. Another was metaphor. One was snappy dialogue. 2005 was, uh, nothing. 2006 - retraining and reworking this panic-writer habit into something that actually works without making me completely insane. I'll keep you posted.

Do you have an uber-goal per year? Have you ever tried it? I swear, it works really well. If you haven't tried it yet, give it some thought. When I pick a subject I want to improve upon, I read everything I can about it, experiment, look to experts I know, and I try to keep track of my progress. I think it would be great to have a group of folks who are into doing this. A year-goal where we pick whatever it is we need to improve, then compare notes and strategies on how to accomplish the goal. Nothing so insane as checking in weekly, but still, keeping with a goal like this for a year is a challenge.

Anyone interested?

Replies: 9 Comments

on Wednesday, November 16th, Sadhbh said

I think my ubergoal for 2006 would have to be submission. In retrospect the goal for 2005 was writing, but with 700+ pages written since February 3rd, I think that's been reached. That and moving into the new house. And health and money going out the window in DH's family
Jo - go a little easier on yourself, you're a newlywed, you're entitled to a little "me" time
Hugs on the Discipline, I'm not convinced you need to make it a goal, you seem to be disciplined enough already, but I'm on the outside looking in

on Wednesday, November 16th, Alison said

I think 2005 was about getting married.

on Wednesday, November 16th, Diana said

Oh, Jo, I'm totally in for that! It sounds like a fab idea, continuing learning for genre writers.

Now, what to pick...

on Wednesday, November 16th, chris said

I'm in. The hard part will be choosing which area I should focus on - conflict? Description and sensory cues? Characterization? I feel like I need to work on EVERYTHING these days!

on Wednesday, November 16th, Jo said

Well, okay. So 2005 was about getting married. I'll give on that one. But the discipline problem is real, and it's hurting my career, so there you have it.

I've got a RTB blog coming up, and I'm going to extend the challenge there. Starting Jan 1, whoever wants to play is welcome. Pick something you want to get better at and come on board. No pressure, just fun and learning and being better writers!

on Wednesday, November 16th, dotes said

I think I'm focusing on sales...

on Wednesday, November 16th, Jordan said

I think it sounds like a great idea. I've never thought about focusing on one thing. Might actually work if I do. I'll have to give it some thought.

BTW are you talking about disipline in all aspects of your life? Just the writing? Or what? I'm trying to understand exactly what you mean. Yes, I'm one of those people who need everything spelled out for them.

on Wednesday, November 16th, Jo said

I like that, Dotes.

And Jordan - the discipline I mean is in regards to writing. Setting and keeping a schedule, and not letting every damn little thing get in the way of that. I became a writer so I wouldn't have to have discipline in any other area of my life. But I used to be far better about schedules - I've gotten lazy, and bought my own press about being a panic writer. I think to some degree it's true, but not when it's making me late for deadlines. So - that's the goal. And even if it's baby steps, by the end of the year, I ought to see a big change.

When I've done this before, with description, etc., it's been a remarkable process. I think it's been one of the best things I've done for myself.

on Thursday, November 17th, Jordan said

Thanks! I guess I may have to work on description then, since I seem to try to avoid it like the plague.