My 2014 Writing Goals - 'On Ice'

As we're 1/4 of the way through 2014, I wanted to revisit these. Don't worry, they're still 'On Ice' but I wanted to see how I'm getting on. *updates to them are in these below*

It seems most things are ‘On Ice’ nowadays, so I thought I’d have my writing goals in the same style *slides into the middle of the ice rink wearing tight trousers and blue satin top* so without further delay, here they are:

1. To write, write, write. I want to make creating new words my writing priority during 2014. I have plans to write three novels and two novellas and I reckon if I commit to 6,000 words per week for 48 weeks of the year – allowing for some holidays when I’m banned from taking Gummidge my laptop with me, that’s 288,000 words, excluding blogging. Let’s see how I get on with that stretch target – on ice. *So far I've written about 92,000 new words this year, that's blogging, stories, everything. I've taken some time off writing new words because I'm editing old words, see below.* 
   
2. As a separate, but qualifying part of the previous goal, I aim to write, prepare for submitting and submit these five stories, my Nanowrimo novel and And Then That Happened, during 2014. I realise it’s a big goal, but I’ve been polishing my ice skates and practicing my pirouettes during 2013, so want to give this a try in 2014. *I'm still working through edits and beta feedback of the things I wrote. I'm still to edit the Nanowrimo novel, probably during April. I'm half dreading this, and half looking forward to it.*
   
3. I will do something constructive and writing related with the Granddad Livings things in a suitcase in the attic. It's a random selection of photos, papers, ornaments and practical things which were sentimental to me, I took from his home after he died. *I am now using his breadboard, plates and glasses - seemed better than leaving them in the attic. I found some photos and a note book with an account of him working in a field surgical hospital in WW2, so I want to do something useful with those, rather than leave them in the attic.*
   
4. I will be more relaxed with blogging. In 2013 I had a blog schedule, which I completely failed to stick to. I am going to aim to blog weekly, but will be flexible on what I’m blogging about until nearer the time. I have some posts already written to keep me going over the next few weeks. If I don’t have anything to blog about on one week, I will relax and not blog for that week.*This seems to be working better without so much structure, hope you've enjoyed my blogs about Looking, Don't Ever Wipe Tears Without Gloves etc.*
   
5. I will use social media to interact with readers more. I use Twitter in this way, but admit I do need to use facebook in a similar way. This is mainly down to the fact that Twitter is on my phone, and my Liam Livings facebook isn’t.This is happening. *It does surprise me how different Twitter feels from facebook, they're like two completely different parties, or something...*
   
6. I will continue to attend RNA London Chapter meetings and my local writers group.Yep.
   
7. I will help plan and attend UK Meet 2014, and attend other relevant events. I've loved attending other events, and really enjoy working with the other organisers for UK Meet. *Oh yes, I'm still doing this, as June approaches.* 

Well, that’s me for 2014. Do you have any goals, writing or otherwise for 2014, or do you prefer to be more flexible in your approach? Have you set yourself goals which had all fallen by the wayside by February? I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time,

Liam Livings xx

*pirouettes across the ice rink and then disappears stage left*