Holly Lisle, in a recent mailing, encouraged writers to make a list of five goals, things you intend to do with your writing. Three have to be ones you can work on right now; the other two are future goals that you have less control over. They also need to start with I will instead of I want to or I hope to or anything else feeble. Here’s my list.

Writing Goals:

1. I will create my world setting.
2. I will complete the first draft of Book One in the above series by September 21, 2008; said draft will be no less than 90,000 words.
3. I will write a short story and submit it to a contest or magazine.
4. I will sell Book One in the above series to a reputable publisher by September 21, 2009.
5. I will be considered for a World Fantasy Award or Mythopoeic Award within five years of publishing my first book. (Why not? Lenneth did it, I can too.)

September 21, 2008 is my 30th birthday. And darn it all, I had BETTER have a novel finished, completely completed by then. I’m determined. #5 is a bit of a lark, but why not? Heck, truth is, I’d like to win one of those and either a Hugo or a Nebula (for science fiction.) I’m dreaming high, but at least I’m still dreaming. Some people don’t bother anymore.