It never ceases to amaze me at the thought one can muster when creating goals for a month, designated to a specific cause.  I find myself pondering many factors when creating goals for my writing.

I have researched a few different markets, tailored to personal essays.  Those markets will be key in my goals this month, as well as a modified goal for the NaNoWriMo challenge.

I have eight (8) topics, with specific markets in mind, for writing that I intend on submitting as well as finding homes for an additional four.  As deadlines for a few of those pieces isn’t until December leaves some room for margin.   No matter, I still would like to have them completed and ready to go before the end of November.

• Piece 1 -
  • Deadline 11/15
• Piece 2 -
  • Deadline 11/20
• Piece 3 -
  • Deadline 11/27
• Piece 4 -
  • Deadline 12/4
• Piece 5 -
  • Deadline 12/11
• Piece 6 -
  • Deadline 12/18
• Piece 7 -
  • Deadline 12/31
• Piece 8 -
  • Deadline 12/31

Submit Written Pieces to at least three markets each.

• Written 1 -
  • Market 1
  • Market 2
  • Market 3
• Written 2 -
  • Market 1
  • Market 2
  • Market 3
• Written 3 -
  • Market 1
  • Market 2
  • Market 3
• Written 4 -
  • Market 1
  • Market 2
  • Market 3

As many are following the NaNoWriMo challenge, I’ve opted to clear the dust off a book I started shortly after my first son died.  It’s a book that I’ve needed to write for myself for some time and this challenge offers the opportunity to do just that.  It’s not going to be an easy task, but a necessary one, none the less.

• Every Friday develop a timed schedule for the week through Thursday of the following week based off current commitments and work schedule.
• Dedicate a minimum of one hour dedicated writing time per day to this challenge.
• After initial layout is complete, make call out for stories related to each topic.
• Evaluate stories received and begin placing within the book after releases are signed.
• Week three: Edit chapters completed previously.
• Week four: Edit additional submissions received and accept or reject according to book layout and need.

It’s going to be a challenging and busy month.  I’m going to find myself working diligently, in a what appears as a never ending motion.

The goal of this challenge is to push the envelope.  For many, writing is their sole income.  I would like to reach that point again.  For that to happen, I will have to exert much time, dedication and devotion to these goals.

This is a new year for me.  One where I will shed the emotional baggage I’ve carried through writing and in the process become a much better me.