A Year of Writing

By K.M. Humphreys

                It’s been an amazing year writing wise.   Despite a rough year in all other aspects of my life, the writing has really taken off. 

                I attribute this to the encouragement of new friends in Pennwriters and Sisters In Crime.  There have been a lot of times this year when I couldn't get much done, but I always came back to writing and even if I didn't write much when I first came back to it, it was something. 

                I enjoy writing, even if there are times the last thing I want to think about are the characters of my stories.  I am often writing letters to clients for work.  It’s difficult to come home and think some more about a story. 

                Lately, my plan has been to use Sunday’s as my writing day.  I have football on in the background, husband is often out of the house, and the dog lays down on the couch in the next room.  It’s a quiet time that I can concentrate on making my stories come to life.  I do get writing done other nights during the week, but I’m not as focused. 

                The writing conference was also a big contributor to my writing success this year.  There were lots of great workshops and published authors who had great advice for those still struggling to get published.   I’m hoping to make the conference next year, although it might not be feasible financially.  

                Unfortunately, it’s not possible for me to write full time right now.  It would be wonderful.  Although, if it was a full time job, it would become more of a chore and something I have to do instead of something I want to do.

                I’m now looking forward to the New Year and another great year of writing.  Over the next few weeks I will be working on goals for the New Year with regards to my writing.  I have had such success this year without setting goals and I’m hopeful that if I set goals for next year I’ll be even more successful. 

                How have you been doing with your writing this past year?  What are your goals for the New Year?  Is there anybody hoping to send submissions out next year?

                Is there anybody like me who has several projects going at one time?  Is there one project that you are further along on than others that you hope will really take off next year? 

                What have your successes been this past year?  What do you plan to do next year to be more successful?  How do you plan to meet your goals?

                Hope everyone has a very enjoyable holiday season and happy writing!