The requisite resolution

New year, new post. And who can avoid talking about their new resolutions? No one (or so it seems). Not even me.

Of course, in order to look forward, we must first look back.

In 2009, I learned what I wanted to write. Not Serious Literary Fiction, as I had always imagined. But rather, fun and awesome stories that “the mainstream” would enjoy. Bye bye Pulitzer, hello imagination.

In 2010, I learned how I write best. I’m not a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pantser, who can spit out 10,000 words in a day. (Okay, I did it once, but it almost killed me.) Nor am I a down-to-the-last-detail planner, who knows every scene and beat before it comes. No, I work somewhere left of the middle, and I need to be focused on the story, not quotas, in order for my words to fly.

So in 2011, I hope to combine those two learnings and make… awesomesauce!

(Yeah, it’s my new favorite term. So what?)

Specifically, my goal is to bring new pages to my crit group every week. I figure this will naturally force me to develop good habits (i.e., self-discipline) and naturally engender other positive results (i.e., a finished manuscript).

That’s it. Just one goal. One “resolution,” if you will. It’s pretty simple.

But of course, in 2009, I didn’t know that I didn’t know what I wanted to write. And in 2010, I didn’t know that I didn’t know how I write best. So I’m sure I’ll learn something I didn’t know that I didn’t know in 2011. I just hope it’s not too slow or painful…


14 responses to “The requisite resolution”

  1. gingermandy Avatar

    I think one of the weirdest feelings in the world is when you discover what you didn’t know you didn’t know. like “how did I not realize that wasn’t there before?” but it feels awesome when you realize how much better it is now that you know that… even though you didn’t… know… it… before….

    oh the redundancy makes that so confusing to read haha.

  2. Les Avatar

    One isn’t bad, especially when it’s a big one. Good luck! I have faith ;)

  3. Shari Avatar

    “That’s it. Just one goal. One “resolution,” if you will. It’s pretty simple.”

    ^And also pretty fitting for the next step in your writing journey and entirely wonderful. Good luck!! :-)

  4. Sonja Avatar

    I’m glad it’s okay if what you learn in 2011 is slow and painful. It just can’t be *too* slow and painful. Whew. That keeps a lot of doors open. ;)

    Happy New Year!

  5. Emy Shin Avatar

    That’s a great resolution, and I agree one that will result in great accomplishments. Good luck!

  6. Kristan Avatar

    Mandy-
    LOLZ. I got you.

    Les, Shari, and Emy-
    Thanks!

    Sonja-
    Well I thought I ought to be reasonable, right?

  7. T.S. Bazelli Avatar

    Awesomesauce! I hope 2011 brings you some good surprises too. Keep writing!

  8. Sarah Avatar

    I love your resolution and that you are resolved to make this next year THE year which pitches you forward toward rediculous writing success.

  9. Meghan Ward Avatar

    Awesomesauce – I love it! And thanks for sharing with us what you have learned. I love hearing about people’s writing journeys, especially the lessons they’ve taken away. And here’s to 2011! Let’s go kick some ass!

  10. Jon Avatar

    Great resolution! Nothing is more motivating for me than my writers group–I just wish they would submit their pages on time!

  11. Sherrie Petersen Avatar

    It took me a long time to figure out that I was SO much better writing stories for kids. I had visions of Pulitzers and world-wide acclaim getting in the way of actually writing :)

    I applaud your one resolution. Best of luck with making it happen!

  12. Kristan Avatar

    Thanks, y’all. Sometimes it’s scary to be on this journey so publicly, but sometimes it’s what keeps me smiling. :)

    Sherrie-
    “I had visions of Pulitzers and world-wide acclaim getting in the way of actually writing :)”

    EXACTLY!

  13. Larramie Avatar

    No pain, no gain! ;)

  14. Dawn Simon Avatar

    It’s amazing how much we grow as writers in a year, isn’t it? I like your goal. Best of luck with the awesomesauce! I try to have pages each crit group meeting, too. It’s a great way to keep pushing myself forward.