Writing Goals For 2019

For 50 years I’ve had a dream that I would have a book published. This year, that dream is coming true twice.

In April Mantle Rock Publishing is releasing my first book, ALL MY TEARS, a collection of novellas in women’s fiction.

In October they will release my children’s Christmas book, MILLIE’S CHRISTMAS.

I thank the folks at Mantle Rock Publishing for giving me this chance. And I thank God for fulfilling this dream.

Now it’s time to get to work.

Part of the work I do is editing. I love to edit books for other writers. It is an honor to be a part of the work of authors I respect and admire.

Another important piece of my job as a writer is to promote my own books. I am striving to learn more about this important work.

But the goal I need to work on most of all is writing every day.

I have fought this ever since I was a teenager and started to learn about the craft of writing.

I love writing when I am in the midst of it, but I have always had a hard time motivating myself to sit down and start writing.

For more than thirty years, I put off writing much while going to college, working, and raising a family. I got back to my writing career six years ago when I had to stop working due to health.

Now, the push to write every day again.

I finished a novella a couple months ago, and I’ve started another. Just barely.

I had several exciting ideas for stories I wanted to write. I started on a couple. Then what happened?

I’m busy. With editing, family, work around the house, promoting my books, the holidays . . .

How many excuses can I come up with?

We’re solidly into 2019, and I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I do set goals. I have a to-do list, and I’m writing “just write” on every day.

I want to work on my new story, and I write “work on my story” on many to-do day entries. But I will count other things as meeting my goal. My blog; proofing my last story; future magazine articles; letters; journals; possible future fiction stories.

Just write, Kathy. Just sit down and write.

I will appear as a guest tomorrow on author Gail Sattler’s blog, “What really goes on in the mind of a writer.” Please check it out at

www.gailsattler.com and click on the blog link.