Looking back, looking ahead

As the year comes to a close I have been thinking to myself: What have I gotten done this year? Did I meet any of my goals? The second question would be easier to answer if I had actually SET some goals. But I didn't enter 2009 with any specific goal in mind besides writing as much as possible, and increasing my efforts in finding an agent. So I ask myself again, what have I gotten done this year? Here are some of my answers:

I finished writing and revising my first verse novel!

Wrote several PB manuscripts with my writing partner, Corey. Many of them are still in need of revisions and rewriting, but it is always good to have something to be working on.

Finished a few drafts of my own PB ideas, including a fairy tale spin-off and a rhyming story for two voices (just finished that one a couple of weeks ago!).

Started a poetry journal that I keep on my nightstand (I haven't written in it for a while, but who's keeping track?).

I read a lot!

Had a craft article published in Highlights.

Wrote about 18,000 words of a novel for NaNoWriMo.

Sent out more submissions than last year, which isn't saying much, but at least it's something!

I guess the most important thing is that I spent 2009 pursuing my writing, and (for the most part) loving the results!

So that is my advice for other writers looking at facing the new year. Just write! Settle yourself into a project you're in love with and don't stop until you've finished. Yes, submit if you have something ready. Sure, go to conferences if you think they'll help. Of course, keep reading. But most of all, keep on writing and have fun!

That's my only real goal for 2010--to write what I love.