Writer’s Regrets

Year End Post: Writer’s Regrets –

By Wayne Halm –

Regrets … I’ve had a few.  High among them is not taking writing classes from John Gardner.  I would be a better person if I had.

That one always strikes me this time of year because I stop and re-read his book, The Art of Fiction.  Most of what I know about story-telling came from that book.

Each re-read is a source of satisfaction – and of frustration.  I smile and nod my head at the topics I understand better each year … and I roll my eyes and shake my head at topics I still don’t have a clue about.  (I hope to someday figure out what ‘theme’ is.)

But for right now I’m going to take what I know and set some goals for next year.  This year my goals were known only to me and I lost focus and failed miserably.  My though here is to make my goals public and see if that helps keep me on track.

Writing Goal # 1 — I am going to write, edit, polish, and get ready for publication a collection of ten romance short stories.  Can a guy write romance?  I think so, and we will see if literary agents can be convinced.  Look out Danielle Steel!

Writing Goal # 2 — I am going to re-edit my science fiction novel applying the things I’ve learned since writing it.  With it polished to a higher luster I will offer it on Amazon.Com and start learning about marketing there, 100 sales would make me feel good, 500 and I will be dancing.

Writing Goal # 3 — I am going to join more social media venues, work them, and double my blog hits next year.

Writing Goal # 4 — I am going to get 3 more magazine articles published next year.  It is just fun seeing my words in print.

Okay, there they are, my writing goals for next year.  I will try to put out a mid-year status report, but if I forget, will you remind me?

Until then — Come play golf with me.