Even More 2016 Writing Goals (As Told by Tony Stark)
Although I've already done a post on my writing goals for 2016, Beautiful People took it to the next level and asked some more in-depth questions. Thus, I'm here to answer them. (Side note: I really tried to make this post use gifs of Frodo Baggins, but Tony Stark wanted to be here instead.)
1. What were your writing achievements last year?
Somehow, I guess, I managed to write three books. (?!?) One of these was a total rewrite, which was a huge step for me since I had never rewritten or edited anything up until that point.
So even though I didn't think it was at first, it was a seriously productive year.
Currently, my top priority writing project is Spaceboy. I'm about 5,000 words in, and I'd say it's Madam Secretary meets Interstellar. It involves a protagonist with pink hair, a man who looks a lot like Peter Quill, and... well, space and mortal danger. It's going to be fun (I hope).
3. List 5 areas you’d like to work the hardest to improve this year.
I'd like to work on consistency, finishing what I start, editing, writing as often as I can, and writing bravely.
Oh. Also, I'd like to stop procrastinating.
4. Are you participating in any writing challenges?
Yes. I'm participating in a challenge with a group to write a page a day. So far, it's going well. I'll also be doing NaNoWriMo in November of 2016. I will probably be attempting Camp NaNoWriMo too--even though I never win Camp, I apparently have a pathological need to participate every year.
The beta reader sitch is currently non-existent. Yes, I'm hoping to expand this year, even in small ways, because it's time to stop being afraid of people reading my writing.
6. Do you have plans to read any writer-related books this year? Or are there specific books you want to read for research?
I need to research the White House, so a book on that would be good. I think reading something by Stephen King would be cool. I'll also take any recommendations for good books on the writing craft!
7. Pick one character you want to get to know better, and how are you going to achieve this?
Oh my gosh, just one? (I know, I know, I helped pick the questions...)
Okay, I'm going to say Fiona. I know I know her well already, but honestly, she's the only one that comes to mind. Her book is my absolute soul-writing-project, and I want to see her and her story grow in 2016. Obviously, though, since I'm writing Spaceboy, the cast of that is important to get to know as well. (Seems legit.)
8. Do you plan to edit or query, and what’s your plan of attack?
Yes. I believe that I should work on Fiona's stories (Because I'm Irish and Because We Can). I'd also like to edit Lost Girls. My plan of attack? Um...
I guess my plan is to just do the thing.
9. Toni Morrison once said, “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” What are the books that you want to see more of, and what “holes” do you think need filling in the literary world?
I want to see more YA books that are deep, multi-faceted, complicated, and rich. I want to see more representation. I want to see more strong female characters. I want to see more intriguing plot lines. Give it all to me.
10. What do you hope to have achieved by the end of 2016?
At least two projects finished (whether an edit or a first draft). Bonus points if I have three. We'll see.
And simply put, I hope to have written my heart out.
Check out Beautiful People here! What are your writing goals for 2016?
9 comments
I adore that you made an attempt to make this post with Frodo. However, I think Tony Stark got the job done. A+ gif use.
ReplyDeleteI love the Spaceboys concept. Ever since I first heard you mention the title, I thought to myself: I NEED TO READ THIS.
You can do it! Whatever "it" is. Do the thing. Dooo it.
& I volunteer as tribute for beta reading, even if all I do is fix your commas. :)
Thanks so much. XD I feel bad for Frodo, but I just couldn't make it work. :( I'm glad you liked the gifs though! There is, shockingly, a Tony Stark gif for (almost) everything.
DeleteAhhh. Thank you so much!!! For the compliment and the general encouragement! You're the best.
Aw. That means so much to me. There would be no one better to fix my commas. *bows* ♥
Procrastination... tell me about it. I get more writing done when I'm on campus because we don't have internet there. That way nothing can distract me and I find myself writing for four hours straight. It's amazing.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I've never won Camp but still try every year too. Hopefully someday it's going to happen.
I wish you luck with accomplishing your goals. I'm sure you can do it. :)
Basically the amount of Tony in this post JUST MAKES LIFE GLORIOUS. I LOVE IT. XD And yes I think you did okay for 2015. Go you. ;) I want to try and do a Camp NaNo this year. I always chicken out because I don't understand how the cabin works...but at least if I don't sign up, I want to do it solo and actually get it DONE. I usually end up in a writing slump in the middle of the year and then spend all of Oct-Dec freaking out and trying to write ALL THE THIGNS. XD Not good, Cait. You need to spread out the workload. hehe.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all of these, Sky! And I gotta say...our questions making skills are dang majestic. *flips on sunglasses* *acts awesome*
TONY MAKES LIFE GLORIOUS IN GENERAL, I'M CONVINCED. Oooh. Yes. I also don't really understand how the cabin thing works... but you should totally join. (Also, you can opt out of cabins if you so choose!) I feel you about that--usually by Camp NaNo time, I'm wondering how half the year has gone by without me writing anything. So I think that's why I always participate. XD I hope you and I can both spread out the workload and accomplish our writing goals this year!
DeleteAlso, I AGREE. TOTALLY MAJESTIC. B-)
Tony Stark, love him and the gifs. If you ever need a beta reader *raises a hand shyly* I'm not good at editing, but I can fangirl. A good writing book is '101 Writing Tips' by Travis Thrasher. It's not terribly long, and has a lot of great advice. Good luck with your writing goals.
ReplyDeleteThose Tony Stark gifs. *applauds* Congratulations on having such a productive year! And good luck with all your goals! Getting beta readers is super scary, but it's totally worth it and it's usually not as bad as you think, especially if you pick your beta readers well.
ReplyDeleteI've actually never participated in Camp NaNoWriMo. I always sort of plan to, but then I never do, and I'm not actually planning to this year. Rough drafting during the warmer months just isn't something that appeals to me (I live in America). But I hope you meet your goals this year!
Thanks again for hosting the link-up! I had a lot of fun participating. :)
Thanks so much, Liz! I really appreciate it. I'm super nervous, so I hope getting beta readers gets easier as time goes on.
DeleteI know EXACTLY what you mean. I think one of the reasons I can't do Camp NaNoWriMo is because my brain is fried from all the heat in the summer. XD So I understand completely.
Absolutely! Thank YOU for participating, linking up, and stopping by! ♥
I love your gifs! (Yes, everyone's saying it, but I just had to add.)
ReplyDeleteOne book on my writerly reading list this year is Into the Woods. The first chapter is brilliant and I've used it several times for outlining, but I've yet to actually finish it. But even based on the first chapter alone, I'd highly recommend it!