To 2016, Onward!

The wonderful people at my publishing co-op have asked me to post my goals for 2016. But first, I have to take a moment to let you all know how amazing these women are. They've created one of the most successful author co-ops in the industry, have spun-off businesses in cover design, book tours, netgalley and more, have launched a line of non-fiction books on writing, and have created a free online community for writing called Weapenry. In addition to writing, editing, and publishing over thirty amazing books. The ladies at Patchwork Press are, seriously, a powerhouse of fun. Check them out at www.patchwork-press.com, at www.weapenry.com, and at www.authorservices.patchwork-press.com.

So without further ado, looking back at 2015 and onward to 2016:
 
What is your favorite writing/publishing memory from 2015?
I have to say, easily, that my favorite memories as an author in 2015 were from attending elementary school book fairs. Kids are super fun, authors are super fun, and combining them? =Awesome.

What story are you most looking forward to working on in 2016?
I really look forward to writing Ennara's third book, Ennara and the Silver Throne. Actually, I really really look forward to the Twixt Between, a story about time-travelling gnomes, but it's slated after a few afters. And before either of those, I need to finish the Flying White Horse and Lapse first. That's how it goes in the writing game, eh? We always have more ideas for stories than we have time to write.

Are you the type of person who makes New Year’s resolutions? Why or why not?
Not really. I mean, yes and no. A new year is always a time to reflect and make goals, to try to do something new. I think that's a good thing. But changes that require resolutions, they need to come more often than once a year. The things people generally save to a New Year's resolution really ought to be implemented as soon as the person is aware it needs to be done--like losing weight, exercising, eating healthy, or learning to play the piano, whatever it is. Following up with those decisions is much easier if you do it right away, and not wait until a predetermined calendar date. And putting it off until January 1st really only trains you to thinking it's okay to tell yourself "I'll do it later".

It takes 21 days to break a habit, or to establish a new one. That's it! So change what you need to change and get on with it.

What area(s) of your writing/publishing process are you going to work on improving in 2016? (dialogue, marketing, output, pacing, formatting, etc.)
Getting it DONE, lol. I'm slogging through revisions, and clearly need to carve more time out of my schedule for my writing. So perhaps scheduling my work is what I'll be working on first.

How would you describe a successful publishing year in 2016? What goals are you working toward?
A successful 2016 would be selling FWH and Lapse to publishers, getting Ennara and the Book of Shadows out on audio, and writing, revising, and publishing Ennara and the Silver Throne.

If you had to guess, what do you think your biggest challenge will be when it comes to publishing and writing next year?
Finding time to write, definitely. It's not easy with two young children at home. I have to find time when they are asleep, with my husband or their grandma, or in school, to write, and that's going to be my first focus of the year: ensuring I have hours every day to work on my writing projects.

How far ahead do you plan your writing schedule? Do you prefer to prepare or to see where your muses take you?
I prefer to prepare, definitely. I have a very general five-year plan that I'm working on, and break that down into yearly goals, and revisit that each month to set up monthly and weekly goals. It's all flexible so I can go with the flow, and change goals as circumstances change, but I like to know I'm making progress on larger goals that I set for myself. The big one now: getting a story traditionally published.

Tell us about something non book related that you’re currently looking forward to for 2016.
I'm looking forward to the summer with my kids, and hoping we'll take some camping trips. Do the roasting marshmallow and tromping through the forest thing. Can't wait!

If you could offer up one piece of advice to other authors and writers for 2016, what would it be?
Be patient with your career and craft. Protect your stories and your process as you would a painting or sculpture. Keep working, it'll come.

2016! Onward!

via GIPHY