Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Dreaming of a Goal

This seems to be the time of year when we all reflect upon what we have done in the past year and what we are going to do in the current one. A friend expanded this and blogged about where she wanted to be in 2020. That’s nine years from now.

In nine years my daughter will be in 9th grade (Year 10) and my son in 7th grade (Year 8). Yikes! That means I’ll be getting hit with one in Middle School and one in High School. What I’m doing at that point will largely depend upon what my kids want to be doing. Of course that doesn’t mean I can’t set my own goals for nine years from now.

But I do have a long term goal: Turn my writing into a second career so that when I retire from the day job, I won’t really be retired, but have a portable career that will supplement my retirement savings to allow me to give to the charities closest to my heart, spend quality time with family and travel (hopefully by motorcycle).

Quite the goal huh? I’m not sure if it’s measurable, concise, or has a real deadline, but that’s the dream. I have other things I want to do, but they are sitting (like perform in the Nutcracker) until my children get older and don’t need me as much (as if! *giggles*).


Phoenixes of Vervell by Gabriel Morrison
So this next year I’m focusing more on my writing. Last year, saw me begin to revise and edit in a way I never have before. I plan on doing even more editing and polishing of my Phoenixes of Vervell in 2012.

Yes, beyond the two collaborations I have going, my main goal for 2012 is to revise the Wholawski out of my trilogy. Sarah’s Phoenix needs to be aligned with Phoenix Rising and Phoenix Triumphant, and Skathains replaced with Arenians. Then I want feedback from beta readers and a critique group. After another edit, I’ll start submitting in the traditional method. *nervous nail chewing*

I know, I’ve been reading a lot of Indie publishing blogs. And I’m not discounting that route at all. In fact, I suspect I’ll end up wandering down that path anyway. But, after a bit of soul searching, I’ve decided that part of my journey to becoming an author needs to include an attempt at traditional publishing (aka rejection).

Right now I’m in a place where I don’t need the income from selling books and my dream has been to see my books on the shelves of a bookstore. Don’t worry, I won’t wait forever to get my final acceptance (or take a predatory contract *shudder*). Seeing my books in a bookstore is the stretch goal; the bottom line is to be published and to continue being published.

I’ve got these stories in my head and I want to share them with more than just my immediate family, or even my extended family. I’m thinking the world! (Or at least those people in the world who want to hear about ordinary females doing extraordinary things and discovering that love surrounds them.) *grin*

Now back to work editing Phoenix Triumphant. *wink*

:} Cathryn Leigh

9 comments:

  1. I reckon you'll succeed with your wish - and as insurance I will jump up and down on the toes of any editor that dares to eat you with a predatory contract! And then I will set Sephy on them, who will doubtless make them paint themselves purple and dance around in a flourescent yellow tutu over hot coals until they repent.
    You'll get there. And I'll be the crazy Phoenix fan who runs about squeeing when she gets her hands on a copy (whatever form it comes out in xD)

    Seems strange to think of the future eh? So eerie to think it'll soon be present and we'll be past (gasp!)

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  2. CHARLEY! *Tackle Hugs and giggles*

    He he. Thank you for your support missy. I'm glad to hear that Rachael and Seph's erm... un-friendship doesn't effect his erm.. respect for me... lol

    You my friend will likely get both an electronic and paper version, even if the paper version is printed at my house and comes in a binder. With personalized note of course. Not to mention the fact you're totally going to be in the dedication.

    Anyway. Welcome back from my side of the pond. How was your stay?

    :} Cathryn

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  3. Congrats and I love your goal. Goals are huge. I have one too--and it's lofty. But it's amazing what happens when you set those things--you start meeting them and getting what you want.

    Thanks for being such a great bloggy neighbor this year!

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  4. Well it's been my pleasure to be a good bloggy neighbor you know. :} Though with the new year approaching and my work about to set our 2012 goals, I'll have to start balancing my life (again)... ah well. :}

    As Les brown said - "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars."

    Though I'm thinking if I reach for the stars I might make it to the moon. Ah well, I was raised a dreamer and I intend to satay a dreamer (just like my mom).

    :} Cathryn

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  6. I mis-spelled. That's the deleted comment [smirks].

    ---
    Happy New Year, Elo :)

    Self-publishing has changed so much the Big Brickhouse Publishers are quaking in their boardrooms.
    They should be.

    Anyone with a blog can be a publisher. It helps to have enough fans, yeah :)

    18,000 Protag'ers do it every day.

    If ever I'm good enough, and actually finish something book-like, I'll also approach a traditional publisher. Mostly, because they will do the selling, the huge part AFTER your book has become real.

    But never forgetting it really is a partnership. They provide a service. But the book is YOUR content.

    I'll probably go hunting for an agent...of a predatory nature...a friendly shark. Just in case :D

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  7. Silly Burndtree, typos are forgiven in comments (at least I hope they are. I'm a horrible typist).

    Yes, I've heard the horror and the erm... what is the opposite of horror? Miracle?

    Anyway I've heard both sides, but the one thing I hear is that you tend to have to do your own marketing either way. Ah well.

    :} Cathryn

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  8. What wonderful plans to start the New Year with ... Publishing has changed in so many ways, there are lots of opportunities all the way around. Wishing you many happy writing days in 2012 :)

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  9. Thank you for the encouraging words. I hope that your writing moments (cause moments are all I get in a day :) are happy as well.

    :} Cathryn

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