Goals for January 2023

Here we are, 2023. I’ve barely started digesting everything that happened last year and yet here we are, planning for a new one. After four years of being away from the keyboard, I was hit with a story idea I couldn’t ignore. For the first time in my writing career, starting over ten years ago, I fully outlined my plot, characters, settings and world building. All since September, I have rediscovered my passion and purpose, and have learnt and developed more skills and processes than I'd ever imagined possible. So now, I look forward, determined to never fall back into disrepair.

Without further ado, here are my writing goals for January, 2023.

1. Finalise Book 2 Pre-Writing

Over my little hiatus for the Christmas period, I managed to put together a rather detailed outline for Book 2 of my debut trilogy, named Corruption of Avalon. As I progress with Book 1’s first draft, more ideas keep hitting me. So, my first goal for January is to put the final touches on that outline, which is something I’m still learning to perfect.

2. Finish Book 1 First Draft (finally)

I’ve finally surpassed the three-quarter mark of my first draft of the newly titled, Forgotten Children of Avalon. In complete honesty, I've been lazy. I've been putting off writing some emotional scenes and if it weren’t for that, I could’ve finished this by now. So, goal number two for January: Sit down, put my hands on the keyboard, and smash out this last stint to finish this draft. I’ve been saying the same thing for two months, I'm frustrated with myself, I'm putting an end to this in January.

3. Read More Books

My first year out of university with a full-time job. It's safe to say my reading suffered significantly this year. My usual 80-100 books a year came to a sad, pathetic 31. I, however, have not slowed down on book buying, and I’m officially out of shelves. Reading is one of my biggest inspirations as a writer, so this month (and year) I’m getting back into the habit of reading on a daily basis and setting another yearly goal of 100 books. Track my progress via goodreads here.

4. Prepare to Start Book 2 First Draft

On the back of goals one and two, as I prepare to set aside the first draft of book 1 for some distance before editing, I’ll be preparing to tackle book 2. With my outline fine-tuned and book 1 cooling down, I’ll be preparing to begin book 2, Corruption of Avalon.

5. Meet New Writers/Readers

From now on, from all my social media accounts, Mondays will be dedicated to meeting, promoting and reaching out to other authors and readers of the genre. Questions, follows, shares, and general conversation will be welcomed in the comments section. Without having a strong network of creators or readers in my real life, I want to learn and connect with those of you out there that can spark my imagination and submerge me in the world of fiction. I think it’s just the kick in the pants I need to accomplish all these goals I’ve set. I look forward to meeting you, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Happy New Year everyone, wish me luck!