So here’s something ironic: I’d planned this post for July 1, but I didn’t get it posted in time because I was… working on my July writing goals.

(Actually, that’s only half true. I was also binge-reading Elin Hilderbrand’s new book The Rumor. Fantastic summer read. More on that in the July book review.)

But seriously, I’m so close to the end of my re-write, I’m choreographing the “final word” victory dance.

 

 

This year, I’ve been making seasonal goals instead of annual ones. I like this system because it’s impossible to foresee how life circumstances might change over the course of a year, but a season is more manageable. Thinking seasonally also forces me to be mindful of the need for more sleep and self-care in the winter, extra time spent outdoors in the spring, and the start of a new school year in the fall. My summer season is the shortest, as I only plan for July and August, but also the most productive, because I’m not teaching full-time.

This is what I hope to accomplish by the end of July:

Novel Writing:

1. Finish Waist: A Tale of The Triangle Fire. (So close.)

2. Compile the book, do a quick round of editing.

3. Query at least 10 agents. (I’m in a much better situation this time around, as I have tangible connections with most of the agents on my initial list.)

4. Start researching the Blizzard of 1888 for my next historical novel.

Other Fiction:

5. Finish the short story I started in the spring, and prepare to submit it in August.

6. Continue my habit of writing for 15 minutes each night before bed, following a prompt in the theme of “family.” Write longhand, even though it’s less comfortable, as an exercise in creativity.

Blogging/Social Media:

7. Write at least ten blog posts. (This one counts!)

8. Write the second post in my new column Be Well, Write Well for DIY MFA. (The first post is coming out on Monday July 6th, so watch for it on social media!)

9. Get better at using Google docs.

10. Learn how to set up a monthly newsletter.

Does anyone else have summer goals, for writing or otherwise, that you’d like to share? Please tell your story in the comment section, and let the Words From The Sowul community help you stay accountable!

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