This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
This year, as every year, I set myself writing resolutions. Undeterred with the fact that last year’s didn’t come true, I’m trying again. And so far (twenty-ish days in) I’m still clinging to them.1 – I will sub my book and get an agent
It’s easy to put this again, but last year I worked out that I actually only subbed to four agents. Four agents in fifty-two weeks is a pretty low number, and I shouldn’t be too disheartened because one of those four requested a full manuscript. This year, added to my woeful lists of don’ts when subbing agents, I will add ‘don’t spell the agents’ name wrong’. Yes, I know I only had four names to get right but I still got one wrong.
2 – I will enter competitions
As a self-published author, I feel I’m in a bit of a limbo with competitions. Should I be putting all my eggs in Amazon’s basket, or should I still be trying to build up a writers CV for when I try and snag that agent? I have a fear of competitions; I think now that people buy my books I’d be embarrassed not to get placed in competitions, but then I think who’s going to know if you enter and don’t get anywhere. Apart from, of course, the lovely Novelicious readers who I’ve told.
3 – I will call myself an author
I’m now a full-time writer. It is my main job and yet I still struggle to call myself an author. It’s amazing that such a little word can strike so much fear and doubt into my mind. I’m always worried that people are going to point and laugh, and tell me that I’m delusional and that I can’t call myself an author. But I now have a healthy bank balance that is derived directly from my books, so I think I’m going to validate myself and say I am an author
.
4 – I will not give up on my dream
I wrote a column last year about whether I’d got it wrong by dreaming big, looking for that big super agent and the amazing book deal. And actually I’m going to keep dreaming big. One day, I will get there. And until then I’m not going to settle with anything smaller.
5 – I will break into the Amazon Top 100
If you’re not a self-published author then you’re probably not as obsessed with the top 100 as I am, but that’s my 2013 goal. I got close to it with my debut novel Millie and the American Wedding but I’m hoping that my recently launched Don’t Tell the Groom will sneak in there. I’ve been inspired by Novelicious’ own editor Kirsty whose book Yours Truly is currently not just in the top 100, but very nearly in the top 10.
6 – I will be positive, pro-active and perky
This year I’m going to be the most up-beat, positive author out there. I’m not going to get disheartened when others get the opportunities I want. I will instead try and make things happen for myself. 2013 is not going to be the year for sitting back and resting.
There are my hopes, dreams and resolutions for 2013. Tell us, what are yours?