Looking Ahead

 Embarking on another year, it's my intention to make it better than the previous one. 

It's not always the case because most things are beyond my control. So, in that case, I simply try to go with the flow and encounter things as smoothly as possible, although bumps along the way can snap one out of a stupor. 

So here are some of my goals, not resolutions, for 2023:

• Get back to my novel, the sixth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. It's been sitting dormant for about eight months. I've written more than 40k words so I need to read and rewrite from the get-go.
• For many years, I've planned to work on short stories. For those who know or follow me, I've intended to do a follow-up volume to Laments, a collection of short stories published in 2012. I may not do a follow-up on the same theme, but plan to write a few stories that have been lingering in my head for the past several years. 
• As noted in my previous post, I want to delve into poetry. I'll let everyone know how that goes.
• I want to get back on the road to places I've never seen. Travel invigorates me with the sights, sounds, and tastes that one encounters at destinations. I'm considering Spain. Maybe Machu Picchu. Of course, there are places within driving distance that I'd like to experience. Perhaps Key West? Philadelphia? Boston? Washington, D.C.? Oregon, Idaho, and Washington are the only states in the lower 48 I haven't visited, so they are a possibility if gasoline prices stay somewhat reasonable. I hope to see a few friends along the way.
• While not necessarily my goals, my wife has some things on her list she'd like to see for the house, such as a bathroom remodel. Depending on how much that will cost, it could have an adverse effect on other things, such as travel. And you never know what appliance is going to need to be replaced in the house. We also have some outdoor projects to complete this year. These are on the "honey-do" list.

At my age, time is of the essence. I may not have three or four years to do these things—give or take a year or two if I'm fortunate. It's not like when I was in my 30s and 40s and had 30 or 40 years ahead of me, which seemed almost like an eternity, to reach goals. However, a few things I made plans for back in the 1980s and '90s, I accomplished as I got older. It just takes time and determination and savings and luck. 

I hope you realize your goals this year.

Until the next time . . . 

  

Hello 2021

We finally made it to 2021!

It doesn't feel any different from the last day of 2020 except for a sense that life will return to some semblance of normal. It may take a while, some experts say in the fall, but at least that's a ray of light after enduring the dark days of the past year.

I hope there will be incremental improvements in the coming months as more and more people get vaccinated. It will be incumbent on everyone to wear a mask and practice personal hygiene such as regular washing of hands. I admit I have my doubts about this because of the selfish attitude of a few who feel it infringes on their personal freedom. Aren't they infringing on the freedom of others by spreading the lethal coronavirus? 

But I digress. 

It'll be nice to see people returning to sporting events . . . weddings . . . family reunions . . . religious services . . . picnics . . . shopping areas . . . birthday parties . . .

On a sadder note, being able to show final respects at funeral homes and cemeteries for loved ones who have died. Perhaps visiting those on their deathbeds in hospitals and nursing homes to let them know you love them and to provide comfort with a final farewell so they don't depart this Earth alone. 

I stopped making New Year's resolutions a long time ago. However, I have goals I want to achieve over the course of time, but they don't have to begin on Jan. 1.

Here are a few odds and ends: 

• 
  On the Goodreads 2021 Reading Challenge, I plan to read 24 books this year. My goal was 18 last year and I read 31. (Feel free to friend and/or follow me.)
• I have a large shed that is loaded with stuff, some more than 50 years old. Since the Smithsonian is unlikely to be interested in any of the hidden treasures, I hope to get it cleaned out (much to the delight of my wife). My sons should appreciate it as well since they won't be burdened with sorting through it off if I kick the bucket. The decluttering of the house, especially my study, is an ongoing and neverending project.
• I want to have my next novel in the John Ross Boomer Lit series ready for publication in late 2021. The fourth installment, Make Room for Family, will be released on Feb. 1.
• I want to reconnect with old friends and relatives because life has an undisclosed expiration date. It's a two-way street so let me know if you want to see me.
• I'd like to make some progress on cataloging and editing my photos (it's become computer clutter).

I hope the coming months are filled with joy and happiness to everyone! And if you encounter obstacles along the way, don't forget that you overcame a lot in 2020.

Until the next time . . .

New Year Thoughts

Can you believe it's 2018? I know it's a cliché, but the older you get, the faster time flies. 

And time is the most important commodity you have as each year passes by and a new one begins. Health, financial security, and friendships certainly rank high, but time is the component that determines the degree of each.  Treasure each day. 

I'm not much on resolutions; I prefer to have goals as a writer.

So here's what I hope to accomplish over the next 365 days:

• Write the third installment to the "John Ross Boomer Lit Novel" series. That begins today.
• Complete the second volume of "Laments" short-story collection.
• Write more posts to this blog. I plan to write more music-related posts and add short author interviews. Reader beware!  
• Participate in more author-related activities, such as book signings, panel discussions, speaking engagements, and so on. I already have two radio interviews coming up this month and February (more details later). 
  

There will be more items that will be added to the list as time (that word again) goes on, but I'm not taking anything for granted. And I don't want to commit to more than I can handle because that can be frustrating, especially when you can't attain those goals. 

So I'm keeping it short and simple. Balance is key. That includes quality time with family and friends as well as reading, travel, and activities that interest and enrich me as a person.

Here's hoping that you have a enlightening and entertaining new year. 

Until the next time. . . . 

End of Year Thoughts

It wasn't the best year in terms of writing and reaching creative goals.

I did have a novel published, "Darkness Beyond the Light," on Nov. 1, which was the highlight. I'm pleased with the story and the  feedback from reviewers and readers. 

As anyone who has been published knows, there's a lot that goes into the final product. That kept me busy for about six months—rewrites, edits, book cover, and other matters involved in publishing a novel. 

But I didn't reach my goals in publishing another short-story collection, a second volume to "Laments." That's something I'll try to address in 2018.

I also didn't write as many posts to this blog as I wanted because of life events that got in the way. Some would say that's not a good excuse, but I counter that it depends on what those events are. I feel my reasons are understandable—and I'm not one to disclose all things that impact my life. Some things are private matters.

That being said, I do intend to be more productive in the new year. That's my intention. But only time will tell. Sometimes life takes turns that sidetrack even the best intentions.

Until the next time. . . . 

Looking Ahead in 2017

As I wrote in my previous post, 2016 wasn't the best of years for me in terms of writing. And there were a few other events that didn't help matters.

But 2016 is history. Now it's time to forge ahead into the new year.

So here are a few of my goals for 2017:

• Get in a set routine to write a minimum of two hours each day. As noted in other posts, the best time for me is in the pre-dawn hours because it's the most productive part of the day without the countless distractions.
  
• Finish the manuscript for the sequel to "Old Ways and New Days" (I have a working title but I'm not revealing it at this point) and hand it over to my editor. I hope to see it published in the spring.
•  Write six more short stories to complete the second volume to "Laments," to be released in late summer.
• Get started on the third installment in the OWND series. I already know what it's going to focus on, but I need to finish the second book. I'm not the multi-tasker I used to be. Must be an age thing. Either that or I have too much on the table so I'm scaling back.
• Write more posts to this blog. I'd also like to increase the followers (you can help me with that goal) here and on my Facebook page. 
•  Participate in more literary events. I'm already committed to the Southern Kentucky Book Fest in Bowling Green and the Authors Fair in La Grange, Ky., both in April. I'd like to do more presentations at libraries and senior citizens centers and retirement homes.  By the way, my series falls under the boomer lit genre -- aimed for baby boomers. Feel free to email me.
• My goal in Goodreads (feel free to connect or follow me) is to read a minimum of 24 books; that's two a month. I hope to exceed that count because I know reading strengthens my writing. Furthermore, I love to read and that's the best reason of all.
• I also plan to travel more this year because it expands my mind and informs my writing. My tentative plans include South America, Washington, D.C., New England, and a few day trips to places in my home state of Kentucky.

Please feel free to share your writing goals. I'd love to hear from you. 

Until the next time....

2016 in Review

This wasn't the best year for me in terms of writing. I had good intentions but found myself sidetracked on reaching certain goals.

I hate to make excuses, but it's a human thing. Writers aren't excluded. We may be more guilty than most folks in staying focused on projects.

Certain things happened over the course of 2016 that made it difficult for me to concentrate on my works in progress. I've written it before, and I'll write it again: Sometimes life gets in the way.

Because of those major distractions, I wasn't able to publish a second volume to my "Laments" short stories. That will be a continued goal for the new year. We'll see.

I wasn't able to complete a sequel to "Old Ways and New Days." I did finish the first draft, but I'm still stuck in the second. I wanted to get started on the third draft on Jan. 1, but that won't happen, at least for another week. My desired goal is to have the manuscript ready for the publisher by the end of January. We'll see.

And because I dragged my literary feet on the sequel, I failed to reach another goal of starting another book in the OWND series. My intention is to do that in the spring. Again, we'll see.

I simply hope things will be more settled in 2017 so I can concentrate on my writing goals. We'll see.

For all the writers who follow this blog, I wish you a success in reaching your goals in 2017.

Until the next time....

 

Write Goals for the New Year

I'm not one to make a long list of writing goals. I prefer to keep them short, simple and to the point.

So here's my short list for 2016:

1. Write every day, beginning today. 
2. Begin and finish the sequel to "Old Ways and New Days." I'll get back to the manuscript today and work  on it daily until it's completed. 
3. Publish another short story collection, a followup to "Laments." I've already written six stories; I hope to write six more in the coming months.
4. Stay more focused on writing life. That means I'll have to rid myself of distractions. That can be difficult because some distractions add some spice to one's life. I suppose I'll keep a few of them, such as travel and photography. 
5. Read a minimum of two books a month. I accomplished that reading goal on Goodreads in 2015 so I know that's doable with all the other reading I do (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc.). As most authors will attest, reading makes better writing.
6. Try to improve my physical condition. I recently joined the Y and have been working out every other day. I believe a healthy body keeps a person mentally fit as well, and being a writer, it's important to stay sharp as possible when working on a novel.

Those are my writing goals for 2016. If I can stay true to my intentions, it should be a productive year.

Until the next time....

Another Year, A New Year

Today is the last day of 2014; tomorrow is the first day of 2015.

It's only a matter of a second separating the two years. As a matter of fact, it's already 2015 on the other side of the Earth (so here's a belated Happy New Year to you!). 

I don't get too wrapped up about a new year. I don't stay up and watch the ball drop at Times Square in New York on TV. I don't go to the neighborhood watering hole and celebrate the beginning of a new year with friends and strangers. Truth be told, I'll probably read and be in bed around 9:30 p.m. 

I don't make any New Year's resolutions. I try to live each day as it comes. I do have goals but they aren't mandated to begin on the first day of the year. 

Some of my goals include:

• Finish a manuscript for a new novel
• Publish another short story collection
• Edit a friend's book so he can publish it in a few months
• Travel to foreign lands
• Lose weight
• Eat healthy
• Exercise regularly
• Stay in touch with old friends
• Make new friends
• Be a good friend
• Spend more time with family
• Learn something new in the arts 

I'm sure I won't realize all of them. But I may reach some other goals along the way that may be more satisfying and enriching to me.

While I think it's important to think about the future, I believe it's equally important to live in the present. We're not guaranteed a future, especially those in my age group. 

And when I focus on the future, I want it to be primarily for my children, grandchildren and others -- socially, environmentally, and spiritually. I want a better world for them.

Wishing everyone a year of peace, love, and kindness in 2015.

Until the next time...

   

NaNoWriMo -- Week Two

As promised, here's my update after two weeks in National Novel Writing Month:

• 22,491 words
• Daily average of 1,606
• 27,509 words remaining to reach 50,000

I've been able to write each day, as much as 1,900 words and a couple days around 1,300. I should be averaging 1,667 so I'm a little behind that goal. I had some things going on that took me away from spending more time writing. 

But I have confidence in reaching 50k words or more. I've picked up my pace the past couple of days as I'm in a pretty good groove. In other words, the story is taking shape and the characters are coming to life. 

Still, there's a lot of writing to be done, but I feel like I'm up to the challenge. I hope others participating in this annual event are making progress as well. 

As a minister I know once told his congregation: "You have to keep on keeping on."

In other words, don't give up. Set your sights on the goals you want to achieve and stay on course until you get there.

Until the next time...

Writers Write

I must confess, right from the start, that I haven't been productive the past two months. It was my goal to write one short story a week, beginning on March 1, and continue at that pace for two months. 

Alas, two months later, I've only written one short story. Some writers will shrug their shoulders and say, "Sometimes life gets in the way."

And other writers will retort, "So what? Keep writing. Writers write!"

Well, I plan to get back to my original goal, but with everything pushed back two months. 

It's not that I haven't been writing -- and this is not a rationalization -- because my job involves writing and editing. I write every day. I've been so busy with other things that I haven't written that many blog posts since I made that earlier declaration. 

But that's going to change. Now. Besides the short stories, I also plan to start on a novel in the next few weeks, after I've worked out a broad outline. 

I guess the point I want to get across, and I heard this from a minister many years ago, is to "keep on keepin' on" until you reach your goal.

Until the next time....

Write Resolutions for 2014

When I make new year's resolutions, I try to list those that I can keep. I tend to stay away from the traditional ones such as doing healthier things, quitting bad habits, and decluttering my life because I'm just setting myself up for failure -- albeit minor ones for the most part.

That's not to say a person shouldn't have various and sundry resolutions to improve one's life. But I don't need to create a once-a-year list to do those things. I like to think that I can make changes as they occur along the way.

But I do like to establish some goals in my writing life that I try to adhere throughout the year. They're really not that difficult to keep since they are commonsense goals.

Here what I'll try to do this, and every, year as a writer:

1. Write every day. It doesn't necessarily have to be a book project although that will come during the course of the year. I have a full-time job that involves writing and editing. I post entries to this blog (my goal is two or three a week but sometimes I fall short of that). I also work on short stories.

2. Read every day. I always have a book or two that I'm reading. I try to have an fiction or nonfiction on my nightstand that I read every evening before I retire for the night. I read quite a bit on the Internet and from magazines that I subscribe. And I venture to the public library's reading area for items to read. I must admit that I fell short of my Goodreads goal of reading 40 books in 2013; I only made it to 29.

3. Maintain contact with author friends. I always enjoy their company as we chat about writing, books, and other authors.    

 4. Participate in writing events. I believe it's important for authors to take part in literacy programs, book fairs, library activities and similar events to stay in contact with the reading public and other authors. And in a sense, it's a way of giving back and supporting others.

5. Continue to study and learn the craft. I subscribe to several blogs about writing. They open my eyes to all things writing, from characterization, plot development, dialogue marketing, promotion, and more. 

6. Always give my best effort. I want to be the best writer I can be so I'll endeavor to make every word, every sentence, and every paragraph count. I know I'll probably fall short but it's the effort to improve that will make me a better writer.

Do you have any "write resolutions" for 2014?

Until the next time.

The Write Focus

I must confess that I haven't been diligent with my writing this year. I can make rationalizations, and some would probably be plausible. But I don't like to make excuses. 

The truth is that I simply haven't been that focused. I have written a draft for one short story and started two others. I also have notes for about eight other stories. So I have made some progress.  Just not enough.

My intention at the beginning of 2013 was to write one short story a week for about three or four months. I thought I'd be able to produce 15 or so stories. Then I would spend the next few months editing, revising, and polishing them for publication.

I know it's still early in the year but I need to get my moving if I'm going to reach my goals. I also have my National Novel Writing Month manuscript on my desktop that needs attention as well.

Sometimes telling others (as I'm doing with this post) will jumpstart serious writing. I certainly hope so.

Until the next time…

Write Resolutions

It's hard to believe we're already into a new year.

I was able to realize a few writing goals in 2012, such as publishing my short-story collection, "Laments," completing the National Novel Writing Month challenge, and producing blog posts on a somewhat regular basis.

Now it's time to move on. I'm not one to set many, if any, resolutions. As I've grown older, I've learned to move at my own pace and do what I can. I don't like setting unrealistic -- unreachable -- goals. And I believe I have good writing habits.

I think the primary goal for any writer is to write. And that's what I'll be doing on a daily basis. That's been something I've done for me for quite a long time. I guess it must be the journalist in me who cranked out news stories for many years.

I'm currently working on a second volume of short stories. If life doesn't interfere, I can generally write one a week. I hope to produce about 15 this time. If things work out, I'll publish "Laments 2," Laments II," "Laments Two," or whatever.

I also have my raw NaNoWriMo manuscript that I plan to rewrite after additional research. I still haven't looked at it since I saved the last draft on Nov. 30. I know there's a lot of work to do on it so perhaps that's my excuse for not getting back to it. But I will.

Lastly, I plan to read more this year. I downloaded Jon Olson's "The Ride Home" on Dec. 31 to get me started. I'd like to read three or four books a month -- fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Writers read.

What are your writing resolutions?

Until the next time…