Here I go again

I’ve let apathy and procrastination (lazy, easy-out excuses) combine with ongoing health problems and a difficult husband (legitimate, albeit overcome-able, excuses) to interfere with my writing yet again this year. But I want, no… need, to make a change. Something’s gotta’ give and if I have anything to say about it, it won’t be my sanity.

To that end, I’m going to attempt ROW80 again. I didn’t get very far at all last year. However, I don’t want to dwell on the past or the negative. I have far too much negativity surrounding me and while a lot of it is due to circumstances or personalities out of my control, I’m determined to do whatever I can to change, or at least minimise, that. And writing makes me happy. Writing challenges make me happy. Meeting goals makes me happy. So doing these things and participating in these activities will have beneficial effects. And I’m all about being positive and beneficial! Haha.So what are my goals this round? I would like to:

1. Give my blog some love and attention by writing a blog post at least once a week. I mean, why bother with a blog if you don’t use it? And I think it’s good to have a place where at least some of your writing is visible to others and available for commentary. It’s hard to learn in a bubble.
2. Participate in the 12 Stories in 12 Months challenge. This challenge appeals to me. Starting it in January appeals to me. Having a writing prompt appeals to me. If it’s so appealing, then why not do it?
3. Write in my journal every evening. I’ve noticed that writing in my journal really helps me. It’s my safe space. It’s where I can vent, rejoice, explore story ideas, complain about matters large and small–all without any judgements, without any pettiness, without any insults. Now I just need to make it a regular and consistent habit. It might not directly contribute to an increased word count for a WIP, but the benefits are far-reaching and will most definitely help my ability to focus better on my fiction writing.
4. Read a short story every week. Writers can only grow and improve by reading the works of others. Exposure to different styles, themes, cultures, etc. will do nothing but make my own writing richer and more compelling. And since Ray Bradbury recommends reading a short story every day, one a week should be a piece of cake.

I think that’s about it. At least, until I think of something I’ve forgotten.