Inspired by many things, like writing The Secret Life of Sleeping Beauty and reading Ray Bradbury’s Zen in the Art of Writing, I am trying something completely different this year.
This year, I am taking on the challenge, inspired by Ray Bradbury, to Write 1/Submit 1. My firm commitment is writing one story each month and submitting one story each month (not necessarily the same story). My stretch goal is to do this weekly. Yes. Weekly.
I know. Just a little bit crazy. But I’m thinking I need to do something just a little bit crazy with my writing this year. I’m under no contracts; I have no (writing) obligation. So why not?
I know my (writing) self well enough to realize I’ll probably end up tallying my weekly progress at the end of each month. My process is such that I may write two stories in one week, then spend a week or two woolgathering. (I’m a world-class woolgathering. If woolgathering were an actual profession, I could pull in six figures.) Then, I’ll write some more. Ultimately, my aim is to write 52 stories this year and to submit 52 times as well.
Fortunately, since I turned my attention back to short work in the middle of last year, I have an inventory of stories that are either already on submission or can go out fairly soon. In fact, I submitted a story today! I just met my monthly goal. So: Ha!
You can read about the challenge here if you’re interested in trying it yourself. If you do, let me know. We can keep each other on track.
And whatever your goals for the year are, I wish you success and happiness in working toward them.
Writing Wrongs 
Wow that is an ambitious goal. Way to shoot for the moon! Good luck!
Thanks! I’m a little scared, but excited.
Crazy, maybe… like a fox. Definitely a challenge, but I can’t imagine anyone besides you better prepared to meet it. Good luck!
Thanks. So far, so good. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
(stumbled on this lovely blog with “Zen in the art of writing”)
That is an amazing goal to achieve! Best of luck!
Thanks so much for stopping by and the encouragement. I admit, I’m a little nervous about it, but I think it will be fun.
In 2012 year I read Ray Bradbury for the first time (“Fahrenheit 451” and “Something Wicked This Way Comes”…loved both), but I didn’t realize he wrote essays on the writing craft as well. The Write1/Sub1 challenge looks fun too…I may have to add these to my 2013 goals!
Let me know if you do add them to your goals. We can cheer each other on.