Today, I’ll be talking about my goals for the month. It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these posts (I just checked. My last one was way back in May.) so while this post would normally begin with a review of the previous month’s goals, this time we’re going to jump right into the main event.

October Goals
—Complete first draft of Full Circle
Full Circle is the third book in my fantasy series. Back in January, I said I wanted to complete the first draft by the end of the year. I’m hoping to cross it off the list this month, but to be completely honest…I don’t think that’ll happen. I just don’t think I’m getting enough done every day. It was going all right for a while, but I seem to have hit a lull. I’m still going to try, though. Maybe I’ll surprise myself. I was thinking of treating it almost like an October edition of NaNoWriMo, but we’ll see what happens. I just may take a 31-day nap instead. Or, a 26-day nap, rather, as it’s like October 5th or something like that.
—Prep for NaNoWriMo

That’s right. I have, once again, signed up for the November event. I’m planning to work on the Terrible Romance Sequel and hope to develop a little bit of a scene list ahead of time, but I don’t know if that’ll happen. A scene list would imply that I have some sort of idea for this story and what might happen in it, and I don’t…really have that. I have a concept—which is certainly no small thing. I just have no idea how or even if I can actually write it.
But the story itself is only half of my NaNo prep this year because this year, I am the Municipal Liaison for my county. And I am the only ML for my county. Which is totally fine and certainly what I thought would happen when I applied for the position.

Anyway, part of my job is to schedule and host events for other Wrimos in the area. This year, because of a certain global pandemic, all official events will be virtual. This month, I need to work out what that will look like for my area.
—Read a book
I hate that my reading goal is so…pathetic. But what I hate more is knowing that even though this goal is so pathetic and tiny, I still may not accomplish it.
—Walk at least three miles every day
As always, I’m just trying to do something healthy, as I generally fail in the area in every other aspect of my life.

And on that note, I’m outta here. I have a lot to do and no time to do it in. Tune in Wednesday when I take part in the October edition of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Unless I opt for that 31-day 26-day nap and forget. Which, let’s face it, would be such a me thing to do.
Thanks for stopping by, everyone. Hope you’re all safe and well.
Sometimes when I don’t feel up to reading I read an MG book, because I know it will probably be an easy and quick read. I’ve actually had a very good reading year, probably because of the extra time off and the other day’s power outage helped (finished one, read 2 – they were short books tho, to be clear, under 300 pages). Writing has been harder for me these last few months. I can’t seem to settle on anything.
Good luck with your goals!
I usually turn to graphic novels in these cases, but I haven’t even had the interest in reading those this year. I assume this mood will move on eventually, but until it does, it’s just going to be weird.
Not sure if I’ll do NaNo this year. Partly because I feel burned out from Story A Day September and partly because I didn’t like the way the whole NaNo website, forums, etc got revamped.
You can achieve that reading goal! Pick something short and scary to read. I’ve got a handful of Goosebumps books I plan on reading this month. 🙂
Good luck with everything, MJ!
Thanks, Madeline!
I’m just exhausted thinking about Story A Day, so I fully understand feeling burned out because of it.
The extra time prepping for online events for your area will be offset by the drive time you’ll save.
No napping – get to writing!
But napping seems like it’ll be so much easier!
Good luck with everything. I’m doing NaNo too (yes, I’m nuts) so look me up and we can be buddies!
Thank you!
I could really use a 26 day nap right now. Maybe I’d wake up refreshed for once!
Wouldn’t that be nice? 🙂
For your virtual events, does that mean you’ll have a bunch of writers video conferencing in and then silence? Because that sounds a whole lot like what my subbing experience has been like. Which may actually make the whole thing easier.
I think so. I think my biggest challenge will be coordinating the when and the how. I’ll just have to experiment and see what works best, I guess.
I’ve been in a reading slump this year as well. Nothing has really grabbed me. ><
May we both find a way to stop the slump soon! I hate not wanting to read.
I forgot about NaNoWriMO
Good luck with your goals, MJ. I’ve been reading a lot. I simply have to read. I’m working up the courage to sign up for NaNoWriMo. I’ve never done it, but stuck at home in a pandemic might just be the time. I want to be able to nap like a kitty or a baby. Much as I’d love to nap, I can’t unless I’m really sick. This is the strangest year I’ve ever lived through. All the best to you!
Good luck with NaNo. It’ll be a good opportunity for you to finish the first draft.
I’ve debated if I want to do NaNoWriMo this year, but since I’ve only gotten 50K in 3 months, I don’t think I have the resources (mental or time wise) to pull off 50K in 30 days. I’ll be cheering for you!