ESTABLISHING GOALS FOR 2016..... By Gail L. Jenner

Can it be 2016 already? Weren’t we just preparing for Y2K? More to the point, didn't I just "sign on" to Prairie Rose....in 2013? Wow.....tempus fugit, indeed!

As the snow mounts up here on the ranch (for which we are eternally grateful!!!), I look out over the landscape and ponder the year that was....and the year that is unfolding. There is much to be grateful for and so much to be hopeful for...isn't that what each new year promises?  

 

Well, if there’s anything I’ve learned professionally in the last 16 years, it is this: Writing takes TIME and good writing takes even more time. So, if it’s this year or next, my job as a writer requires I simply push aside the clock and focus on the writing.

To that end, writing takes DEDICATION and perseverance. Developing a tough skin and tender spirit – though they seem contradictory – is, nevertheless, part of the process of developing the art and craft of good and great writing.

With that said, there are a number of things we can dedicate ourselves to in this new year – if we hope to sell and/or succeed. I’ve limited my list of goals, although many writers might change the order or the actual items. These, then, are “my six” for this next year:

1.     Make TIME to write/take time to write: with all that my life entails, from family and grandkids, to ranch life and part-time work, to an assortment of “distractions” (including some health issues), it’s easy to not find time to write. I’m one of those flexible writers, which may seem to be a positive character trait; I can write early or late, or even steal from the midnight hours, but it makes avoidance or procrastination easy to take over, too. I’m also one of those people who say yes to more than I should, and hate to disappoint others. However, I am presently working on paring down my list of extra activities for this next year so that my focus is tighter and clearer – both professionally and personally.

2.     Develop a stronger PLATFORM: I know that my writing platform centers on history, whether it’s through fiction or non-fiction, but I admire those writers who can sum up their platform in a line or two. I’ve thought about “opening doors to history....” as something of a platform (whether it’s local history specifically or history of the American West), but that doesn’t say it all. I also write screenplays AND I enjoy writing about country life & ranching life/faith and family/recipes and cooking/even education. Hmmmmmm.....

3.     Continue to NETWORK: I’ve worked on this a lot over the last few years and it has made my writing connections stronger and certainly more satisfying.  I so enjoy the organizations and conferences I’ve attended and joined, and most of all, the PEOPLE who have become good friends! My favorites: Women Writing the West; Western Writers of America; a local writers’ group (also my critique group); and now, with Prairie Rose, I’ve developed a whole new circle of great writing friends and partners.

I’ve also had the opportunity to do some radio and TV specials that have opened new doors to intriguing and different opportunities, and I’m grateful for each relationship I’ve built. Ironically, like many writers, I’m a more timid person than many might assume, and “presenting myself” is a  stretch. It’s not easy to get out and market oneself.

4.     Continue to develop the CRAFT of writing. As a former English and history teacher, I understand the importance of continuing education. We are never “there....”  We are always learning and I find the joy of learning and researching and growing to be part of the magic in writing. I love to be challenged. I remember that when I began to play tennis competitively, at first I avoided players who could squash me game after game...but soon I realized that to really improve, I had to go up against players who could raise my level of play. 

It was a challenge, but I found myself loving the game more and more and savored the success whenever I managed to come close to winning. In the same way, I welcome harsh critiques (from writers of integrity, of course!) and seek out those opportunities where I know I will gain some greater wisdom or instruction. Whether it’s through conferences, critique sessions, contests, or submissions, I don’t think being a reluctant writer leads to success. Writing requires an audience and it’s wise to have those who can provide guidance or critique as part of the process that can lead to success. Again, this is where that tough outer shell and soft belly come in. As one tennis friend – so much older and wiser than me at the time, “Don’t worry about having a great serve when you’re trying to get better! After you’ve served the ball a thousand or two thousand times, that’s when you need to worry about it. Until then, just keep serving – by doing it the right way again and again.”

5.     Seek out those stories that SPEAK to me. Life is short. Time slips by. I used to be so eager to “sell” that I was willing to take on articles or writing subjects that provided just an avenue to selling. Obviously there is value in that, but now, I have a well of ideas that are clamoring to show themselves, stories or subjects that have been brewing and stewing for a long time.

6.     Have more FUN! Yes, have more fun...whether it be in the kinds of stories I am crafting or in the research or process involved in writing. And yes, also on a personal level I want to enjoy life in all its shades and hues. If we take every part of our lives tooooooo seriously, the joy is compromised. So whether it’s as I’m sitting and working on a story or book, or out on the ranch helping with chores, or with my friends and family, letting go of the pressures of this life is imperative.

And Welcome, 2016!

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Gail L. Jenner is the author of several books and short stories. 
For more, check out her biography and titles on amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Gail-Fiorini-Jenner/e/B005GHR47O

Winner of the WILLA Literary Award

July's Bride