2015 Goals Pt. 8

I set a number of goals for the year and wanted to re-visit how I’m progressing with them. Last week, I shared how I’m progressing with one goal – site management. While I’m not able to upgrade my site yet, I am working on content branding. But there are several more goals that I’ve been working on.

Writing Group

I’ve investigated local writing groups and really haven’t found one that suits my needs yet. There is one about 45 minutes away that I will begin trying to attend on at least a quarterly basis. I’m also discussing with a few writers I know locally about meeting occasionally to discuss writing and encourage each other with our projects. I don’t want something too time consuming with management or critiques, just discussion for a short time about writing and related topics.

Book Reviews

I have completed a short book and reviewed it on Goodreads several weeks ago. I’m currently reading several other books and hope to start posting reviews over the next few weeks, especially for Rave Reviews Book Club. I have such a large backlog of reading but I am enjoying what reading I am doing and learning a great deal about reviews just from the intention of writing these once I’ve completed a book.

Publication

I currently have a piece of short fiction held for further consideration by a SFWA-approved magazine market. I’m keeping my fingers crossed on acceptance but there’s not news about that yet. I’m also preparing several more pieces of short fiction and hope to begin submission of another story within a few weeks.

My first novel-length book is currently with my editor after which I’ll make some changes and let her have the manuscript back within a few months. I hope to then let some beta readers take a look. On that note, I’ve begun recruiting beta readers to assist during late spring or early summer if all goes well.

Convention Attedance

I haven’t yet found an additional conference that fits my schedule and budget. I’m still looking so that’s an ongoing process. I am attending an online conference through Goodreads this spring though and I hope that turns out to be informative.

How are you progressing with your goals so far this year? Have you experienced any setbacks? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section. I’d also love to connect with you over social media so check my Contact page for that information. See the News page for announcements and remember to sign-up to receive news and posts by email. I’ve added a new sign-up tab on my FaceBook page to simplify the process. New followers can download The Black Bag via free coupon today! Also, the cover of my book, The Bow of Destiny, was revealed recently so take a look.