A Time to Resolve, To Make New Year Resolutions

Yes, I'm a writer, filled with with bright, fresh ideas, stories and much more. I must laugh when people express, "Oh, you're a writer. How exciting."

Under my breath, I laugh. Yes, I'm a writer. Someone filled with W-Wit. R-ejection. I-Intensity. T-Tenacity. E-Energy - well, maybe - depending on the day of the week. R-Rejection - especially when the story is published and the check is in my hands!

Put it together - W-R-I-T-E-R. Yes, I qualify for that!

I've been a writer, at least a struggling writer, since 1992, or earlier. Now, I'm striving to do it for a living. Thank goodness for a husband!

Still, I strive to be independent and financially secure, but we do live in a two income society, and I am thankful that now my husband Phil FINALLY appreciates my struggle and talent for words.

No one but another writer can appreciate what we tolerate, and now that 2007 is quickly approaching, I am playing with words again, only this time I am building my 2007 goals.

GOAL:
To increase income from writing by targeting corporate markets for copywriting/marketing assignments, magazines, film, and get a new contract for travel guidebook
Increase publication credits by sending queries out on a regular basis – target film companies for options
Sign with a reputable agency

STRATEGY:
Increase income from previous year (those specifics shall remain confidential)
• Publish at least one story weekly
• Option one screenplay
• Market for agency representation
• Target local and national corporations
Compile spreadsheet of targeted companies
Cover letter to companies

Although my 2007 goals are much more detailed and targeted with the strategies of Goal Writing, I choose to keep them a bit confidential, after all, they are my goals and must be targeted to my specifications.

So, as you can see, writers are a weird society. We are accustomed to placing our names, credentials open to the public for criticism and much rejection. We are writers, and we can tolerate the rejections. We spend many nights fighting to sleep when our minds race with thoughts, characters, stories, plots, deadlines, and the rat race of life. Finally, in desperation, we throw back the covers, fluff the pillow, and trot to the computer, stopping to turn the coffee pot and lights on, while noticing, our house is the ONLY house in the neighborhood with lights, camera, and action on. My neighbors must think I'm insane! No wonder why they only raise one hand in the mornings, to say hello while silently thinking to themselves, "Isn't she the only one in the neighborhood with her lights on at 3am. Just WHAT is SHE DOING at that time?"

Funny. Whenever they need a business letter composed, or an issue with Town Hall resolved -- who is it they turn to???

Yep. It is ME! The woman who receives anonymous letters in her mailbox -- to fight and be the 'advocate' of the neighborhood.

And you wonder why I AM A WRITER?

What are your goals for 2007? Get busy and polish your strategies for the new year, and make 2007 the best of years!

After all, I am a writer. I dance to my own tune. Sing my own song. Isolate my life while my fingers dance on a keyboard.

Such is the life -- of a writer!