One of the motivations for my seachange just over two years ago was my growing consciousness of the fragility of life. I’d done a lot over my twenty-odd years of adulthood, but had been nervous about pursuing my real passions nonetheless.

The whole ‘life’s short’ thing gave me the incentive to focus more on my writing, but I’ve spent much of the last couple of years floundering—unsure exactly what I wanted.

In all honesty I still don’t know if my ultimate (ie. never-going-to-happen) dream is to write a novel or author a hilarious column in a magazine or newspaper. Or both. Or neither.

But, rather than just float along I thought it was time to set some writing goals.

I see my ‘writing’ as falling into four main categories.

1. Preparing online content for business or organisational websites, including ghost blogging

I’m currently focusing my attention on my local area as there aren’t a lot of freelance writers and bloggers on the Fraser Coast, but it also means my potential market is somewhat limited.

This is still a new venture and I must confess I struggle a little to ‘sell’ myself as it’s WAY outside of my comfort zone. However, I’ve spent much of my life writing for others and preparing content on subjects about which I might know little, so feel well-equipped to deliver.

2. Writing freelance articles for magazines, newspapers or websites

Being able to write about what I want and in my own voice is my dream. The idea (however) of pitching ideas to editors or magazines is scarier than approaching businesses because, not only am I having to sell my services, but I’m selling myself—my voice and my thoughts.

3. Blogging 

I’m really enjoying book blogging. I’d love to be able to do more of it or earn a more substantial income via my love of reading and writing but options seem limited.

I’m not currently doing any paid or sponsored work on my own blog and am happy to continue to write what I want, when I want in Debbish. I’ve moved away from very personal blog topics at the moment, but who knows… that may again change.

4. Creative writing / fiction

I have 50,000 words of a novel I wrote last November; and 30,000 words of a young adult novel I started writing a-half-dozen years ago, wallowing in bowels of my desktop computer (oh, and dropbox… just in case!).

I’m not sure I’ll do anything with either, but I’d love to at least have a first draft completed… as much for that sense of achievement (of actually finishing something!) as anything else.

Because I don’t want to live with regrets, I’m committing now to:

1. Pursue opportunities (locally and elsewhere) to develop a stable of clients
2. Identify potential publications and pitch one article a month
3. Continue blogging regularly in Debbish and continue to refine my personal blogging voice
4. Complete a first draft of BOTH novels by the end of this calendar year.

Frankly I’m not particularly confident on the first point and numbers 2 and 4 scare the bejesus out of me. But… I’m sharing this here so I’m accountable. To someone. Somewhere.

Any hints or suggestions? 

Belatedly linking up with Essentially Jess & IBOT today.