On a lot of blogs you are finding new year resolutions, goals, and lists of things people plan to accomplish this year. When it comes to something I have total control over (or as much control as a person can actually have), then I feel comfortable making it a resolution.
For example, this year I intend to learn to knit socks and to try circular needles. It doesn’t matter if my agent is crazy-busy, or I have to travel unexpectedly, or there is a credit crunch or publishing is slow. I can sign up for a class and learn to knit socks. So this seems like a reasonable goal. Last year I wanted to learn the basics and I have, so it’s time to up the ante with my knitting. Yay!
However, if I set the goal to sell another book this year then I am setting a goal that is totally out of my control. I have written a second book. And my agent has it now. I love it. I think it’s a book that he can sell. But if he doesn’t think so, then I have to go to Plan B. Or if he loves it, but no one in publishing likes it, then, again, Plan B. Or maybe he sells it in December and I won’t get paid until 2010…you see…selling a book is really out of my control. I can set a goal to write a book, but not to sell one. That’s where I turn to dreams.
According to the OED –Dream: a cherished hope or ideal; a fantasy
Ha! I can’t really think of a better way of describing selling a book! Yes, dreams come true, but in their own time frame. So, for the things that I can make happen I will set a list of goals, for the things I hope to happen, I will set a list of dreams.
Goal: To write something brand new, probably a YA novel.
Dream: To get it published someday.
Goal: To learn as much about publicity as I can so that I will be able to promote my book to the best of my ability.
Dream: That my book sells the good old fashioned way – word of mouth.
Goal: To learn to knit socks!
Dream: That they actually fit!
Oh, my gosh! I was going to make a whole list of things and then I realized that I pretty much have everything I need/want so I guess this is it. I hope you are blessed too!
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