Congratulations to Kerry Nenn, the winner of the surprise Christmas Contest: “Where’s the Line to See Jesus?” She won $50 or a free one-year gold membership. Click here to read her winning entry, and the others. And what does Kerry have to say about her win?
“As a writer, I am excited about the experience. As a competitive individual, I am thrilled about winning. Most of all, as a Christian, I praise God for the opportunity and blessing He provided through the contest.”
Can you believe it’s the last day of the year?
Don’t know about you, but to me, it seemed that 2012 went by FAST. There is NO way January was 11 months ago. I’m afraid to look at the goals I set for 2011 (yeah – I do goals, not resolutions).
Writing-wise, I have found that accountability is VERY important for me. For about as long as I’ve had my own blog, I’ve posted monthly, and annual, goals there – and I report back with how I did. And I’m in a couple accountability groups where I share WEEKLY goals – and, again, report back.
I don’t always meet my goals, but at least I make them – and I make other people aware of them. And if the year/month/week is a bust, oh well – there’s always the next time period!
Not everybody works best this way. God makes us all different. But whether you set goals or not, it’s always good to review how your year went, and make some plans for the year to come – with God’s direction, of course.
So, how about if we each share a writing-related highlight and a “lowlight” of 2012, and one goal for 2013? I’ll start:
Highlight of 2012: Finalled in a contest with my nonfiction manuscript
Lowlight of 2012: No contract or agent
Goal for 2013: Finish first draft of my Biblical fiction manuscript.
How about you?
Related posts:
7 Comments until now.
Great post! My husband and I just had a conversation about accountability before I sat down to my computer and read this.
Highlight of 2012: Finaled (3rd Place) in the surprise Christmas Contest: “Where’s the Line to See Jesus?”
Lowlight of 2012: Experienced a stranglehold of doubt about my writing abilities. Had practically quit writing until I entered the surprise Christmas Contest. Finaling in the contest was the boost I needed and confirmation that God wants me to write.
Goal for 2013: Complete a manuscript. (Praying for direction as to exactly what to write – fiction, non-fiction, genre.)
Wow, 2012 really did go by fast! I’m 14 years old, so my Highlights and Lowlights won’t be the same…but here they are anyway.
Highlight: Began a new book: A biblical/historical fiction story that I am really excited about and might actually FINISH one day.
Lowlight: STILL haven’t finished writing a manuscript yet.
Goal for 2013: Finish at least the rough draft for my biblical/historical fiction book I’m working on.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Jan – that is SO cool about God using the contest to boost your writing confidence. And I’m praying right along with you for that guidance on which manuscript to work on!
And Hannah? Fourteen? I’m VERY impressed with you having ANY writing goals – much less writing an entire manuscript. You go, girl! And good for you on what you’ve done so far!
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Joanne and especially for the prayer.
Hugs,
Jan
Loved your blog re your goals. Lying in bed in the early hours of this morning I determined not to make any resolutions, also just to make some goals.
First and foremost. To get more intimate with my Heavenly Father and to journal daily during my quiet times.
Second. To tidy up my Christian Children’s story about Harry the Hippo who gets lost and is rescued by Jack the Lion. (Jesus) then to get it published.
Lastly to start a Daily Devotional for mothers and daughters.
Blessings
Writing is winning the war within. Wars are won when fear, failure, and fatigue are overcome. For 2013, I resolve to set goals to not be overcome, but to overcome.
For 2013, my highlight for you, Joanne, is reversal of your 2012 lowlight. Thank you, so much, for your insight.
Best wishes to all FaithWriters’ writers and readers, this day forward.
Joanne: Aww, thanks so much! I LOVE to write. I’m not a Faithwriters member, but this blog has been encouraging to me!
Keep writing, everyone! 