I’ll spare you the mundane ones practically everyone makes–and breaks–every year, like lose weight or declutter the house. Just the writing-related ones.
- Get MAGE STORM out on submission. I’m doing a polishing edit, with a bit of revision in the middle, right now. Also preparing the query letter and synopsis. I want to start submitting this no later than the end of January.
- Keep writing and submitting short stories. It’s not the primary focus of my writing, but it is good practice. The publication credits wouldn’t hurt, either.
- Finish two books this year. Current candidates (subject to change without notice) DREAMER’S ROSE (which is in rewrite) and SEVEN STARS (which will be a first draft)
- Learn. There is always more to learn. I happen to know I’m getting a couple of books on writing YA fiction for my birthday (coming up in a few days). And I still have two or three good writing books from last year waiting to be read. I wish it were feasible for me to go to one or more writing conferences or seminars, but that doesn’t look likely for this year. Someday.
- Read widely in the YA genre. (That’s actually an easy one.)
- Never give up. Never surrender.
Happy New Year, everyone.
Meredith Mansfield, Author 
The most cost-effective conference I’ve seen is the LDSSM http://www.ldstorymakers.com conference, this year held in Salt Lake City May 5-7–including a hands-on bootcamp. I went last year and learned tons and got to meet so many of my favorite authors. I’m going again this year with the same friend.
Including the Boot Camp, it costs $210. If you’re interested, my parents live in Sandy, and you’d be welcome to stay there with us….
Just a thought. I know how hard it can be to afford conferences.
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Robin,
That is an extremely generous offer.
It’s not just the money–although that’s definitely a huge issue right now. There’s also the problem of finding someone to take care of Mom. Not so easy.
And then, if anything were to happen, I’m the only one with the power of attorney to authorize her medical care, so I can’t be anywhere I can’t get back from in a hurry.
I just can’t see myself going anywhere even overnight while the current situation holds.
That’s life.
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