This is typically the post where I detail my goals for the new year. Usually, it’s a pretty easy post to write because my goals are, more often than not, either exactly the same or pretty damn close to being exactly the same as the goals from the year before. (I don’t accomplish a lot). Lots of copying and pasting. Not much of anything else.
This year would be no exception. I failed to achieve most of the goals I set in 2022, which is no big deal because, you know, I’m me and that’s pretty much what I do. But the end of 2022 saw me stuck in the Swamp of Sadness (you 80’s children out there may know exactly what I’m referencing, but I refuse to use a gif of it because that scene traumatized me a million years ago and is probably the reason why my characters are always so miserable. Artax and I never left that swamp) or whatever and wondering whether I should continue with writing in any way, shape, or form.
And I still don’t have an answer.
I mean, I keep thinking that I would very much like to figure out how to finish/fix my current WIPs, but just because I would like to do something doesn’t mean that (A) I can do it, (B) I should do it, or (C) it can be done in the first place. Isn’t it possible, after all, that the reason why I am having a hard time with these WIPs is that they simply can’t be written?
So I’m thinking that maybe my goal this year will be to come up with an answer. Answers? For the WIPs, for writing, for…whatever.
And maybe, if things get really crazy, I’ll even come up with a plan.
Do you set goals in January? What’s on your list this year?
I know you’ll figure it all out!
I don’t treat January any different than any other time of the year. I don’t set a lot of goals either. I just do the next thing (whatever my bouncy brain decides that is at the moment).
Good luck with the Plan!
Unfortunately, I don’t have any answers for you, but what I do know is that you WILL figure this out, you WILL find your way. Wishing you the best, as always!
OMG I will forever be traumatized by that moment in that movie. After all these years, that is the only scene I remember from it.
It sounds like you were a bit where I was last year when I decided to pull the plug. The best thing you can do is sit down, think about it, and be brutally honest with yourself. Good luck.
Only you can answer that question.
Child of the 60’s and 70′ but I still know that swamp.
I think I’ve already forgotten my list of goals for this year. In my defense, I’m very tired.
I’m constantly setting and adjusting goals, but I’m not one of those folks who can hold a whole year in her head at once. I’ll just take aim at the first thing on my list, and continue on from there.
You know, maybe now’s not the time to make new goals, then. Have you considered making new goals for a year on your birthday? Or Labor Day? Or May 16th? (Just picking a random day.)
It sounds to me like right now you need a break. Find a hobby. Dedicate yourself to it. Collect stamps. Collect shells. Learn calligraphy (no, that’s too close to writing). Start a podcast. Recover furniture. Learn metalworking and make swords.
My point is, step away from the writing for a bit. Let it lie fallow. You’ll know when you’re ready to tackle it again. And by then, you’ll know how to fix the issues that seem insurmountable right now.
That’s my 2 cents.
I know that swamp. ugh. Been there. I think that was my 2017-2019 (okay, and 2020-2021), but I’ve been clawing my way to the shore and clinging to a rock on the side.
Whether you finish these, or work on something else entirely – it’s up to you. I hope you find joy in whatever you choose!
I feel exactly the same way. Hopefully we can both figure it out this year!
I feel you. Oh how I feel you. Especially with finishing/fixing your current WIPs. I hope your motivation returns much sooner than mine did (mine took 2 years…).
Your story should be written, no question about that. 🙂
Coming up with answers to those questions is very important and probably the best goal(s) you can make. Whatever the answers are, trust them, but also know that the answers could change in the future.
Someone suggested setting it aside and trying other things for a while and maybe it’s time to do that, if only for your sanity.
Maybe you need to switch mediums and tell a story a different way. Have you ever thought about playing Dungeons & Dragons? It’s more popular than ever, and it could be a way to flex your creative muscle and open your mind to different perspectives regarding your Work in Progess.
The magic eight ball says…. Try again later. It’s still an answer, right?
I want to get digitally organized this year and finish and publish the last LitRPG in my trilogy. I’m off to a stuttering start. So slow….