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Sunday, January 6, 2019

INTENTIONS; OR HOW I PLAN TO SPEND 2019 #writing #goals #resolutions


The “First Ladies of the Pikes Peak Region” blog posts will return in February. 

With the New Year upon us, I wanted to take the time to talk about where I/we plan to travel these next twelve months.


Most people around this time of year will make resolutions or set goals. For myself, I prefer the word intention. Intention to me is less strict or more fluid if you would prefer. If you look online for the definition of intention, you will find it is a thing intended; and aim or plan. The nice thing about intentions is they can change. By using the word intention I don't feel I need to put myself down when I don't succeed, yet it is strong enough to keep me going.

My intentions for the last two years, at least in terms of my writing, have been to write a novel and a short story. Since I work outside the home at a day job, although not full time throughout the year, it does cut into the my writing time. So how do I feel about what I’ve done so far? Not too badly. I credit my Thursday night writing group, the discipline and the support pf the other writers, with a lot of what I've been able to accomplish. And yes, I did complete a novel and short story. The short story, 'The Homestead' appeared in the Western Fictioneers anthology "The Untamed West". But for 2019 I feel like I wish to accomplish more.

So what is my intent and how shall I accomplish it? Ultimately it's still the same, to write a novel and a short story a year. But I also wish to start sharing some of my historic research to the nonfiction readers. I do a lot of that with blog post, but to a certain extent that's a limited audience. To reach a wider range of readers will require my reaching out to publications that are interested in the history that I research.

Yes, I have done four scholarly papers for our library district. Two have been published in the regional history books, and two more are awaiting a decision. But again that's a limited audience, and the publications not one the general public reads.

So, for those who want to know, this year the intent is to write a certain number of words at least five days a week, with the cumulative amount due at the end of seven days. This does not include blog writing or article writing, only the fiction writing.


To guide me on this journey I look to other authors, deep thinkers, and visual stimulation. Perhaps some of my favorite quotes may help you also.

Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow
until the faucet is turned on. - Louis L’Amour

Your going to be someone favorite author.

Just write everyday of your life. Read intensely. Then see
what happens. Most of my friends who have been put
on that diet have very pleasant careers. - Ray Bradbury

If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live. I wouldn’t
brood. I’d type a little faster. - Isaac Asimov

What are your intents, goals or resolutions for the coming year? And of course if you take this writer's journey, there is also the business side, but that's for another blog.

8 comments:

  1. Great post for the New Year. I need to write more in 2019. I get too distracted by social media. It's hard to give up as it also sells books for me.

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    1. It really is a double edged, fine line sword when it comes to writing and social media. If it weren't for the Thursday night group, I would have gotten very little written last year, hence this years intention.

      As for selling books, it's not been a good a year, but I've not put as much time and effort into pushing my own work as opposed to supporting other authors. (And I love to support others, for their work needs to be spread to the largest audience possible.)

      Here's to a great 2019 for you and your creativity. Doris

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  2. I'm just putting one writing foot in front of the other this year and what gets written...gets written. The more pressure I put upon myself to write, the less I write. What I am going to do, though, is only write on what I've already started, but put aside. No new projects for me until I give several works in progress the love and attention they need and deserve. lol

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    1. That sounds like a great intention, Kaye. Most of what I'm working on are also bits and pieces I've started. Now they just might get finished.

      I find if I don't set an intention, I don't get much done. Perhaps because I have so many irons in the fire...but hey, I enjoy a challenge. (GRIN) Doris

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  3. I'm so glad you share your research and intend to do more of the same in 2019, I always have good intentions and then the lure of Facebook sidetracks me. Right now I'm intent on finishing the final edits on the third book of my Prairie Moon Trilogy and finish a novella I've been dithering over because I couldn't nail down the setting. Luckily, the other day I wrote my blog and the research and looking at my hundreds of photographs helped me nail down my setting. In the past I've always been able to visit the area where I set my book. I was going to lean on you, Doris, about Selina--I think that's the historic town you mentioned, but I may need to brainstorm with you on a future book. However, it's still on my bucket list to get to Colorado and Wyoming. I look forward to reading many more of your articles and blogs and glad you have a writing group that keeps you motivated. Have a wonderful 2019.

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    1. Salida, and it has some great stories. There is a book about a madam who had a place there into the 1940s I think. It's a fascinating read.

      To accomplish what I want to in 2019 it is going to take my writers group and some major discipline, hence my telling the world. LOL. Doris

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  4. Doris,
    I love this post. It's so true that we need to stay focused on what we want and not be too hard on ourselves when we falter. 'Intention' is good way to phrase it. Good luck writing your novel! You can do it!!

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    1. Thanks Kristy. I can be way hard on myself and that's why I chose to use the word 'intention'. I'm glad the post resonated with you. Doris

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