Writing Goals and Resolutions - July Update

Here we go with July's update on my writing goals for 2009, and my general New Year resolutions. This month has been very much up and down for me, and this is reflected in my goals again - more misses than hits I'm afraid.

Writing Goals

• Write every day, aiming for a minimum of two pages each day.
  I'm beginning to start looking at the creative page again. I'm writing my Sunday column, and I've been writing the odd little snippet, but my main focus has been on the anthology and associated work. Well, what focus I have left. I'm looking at a new outlet for my creativity though, whilst blocked as a writer. I used to paint. This week I picked up some acrylics and pastels, and I'm going back to that. We'll see if that helps me.
  
• Compile an electronic anthology of my best short stories from 2008.
  Last month I said I didn't think I'd see this happening, but I still think I'd like to do something with these stories. They were good, and I think with a little polish they could shine.
  
• Launch the Chinese Whispers anthology.
  Well, it looks like the website is completed and we're hoping to be launching the anthology in November!
  
• Enter six writing contests.
  Still only two. Missed most deadlines, but there are still one or two that are out there. Again, with focus being on the anthology, I'm unlikely to hit this.
  
• Complete two manuscripts to a publishable standard.
  Oh Long Watch. How I have neglected thee!
  
• Participate in, and complete, NaNoWriMo 2009.
  3 months to go. Yikes!

New Year Resolutions

• Read at least one book per month.
  Books read this month - Tales of Ordinary Madness by Charles Bukowski, Trouble with Lichen by John Wyndham.
  
• Get my 5k time down to 18 minutes.
  
• Run the BUPA London 10,000 in 45 minutes.
  
• Take part in a half-marathon in late summer.
  
• Take part in a full-marathon at the end of the year.
  All of these goals came off the rails due to my accident. I'm sorely missing running, and I'm going to start very gently running for very short distances to see how my back takes to it - if all is good, I'll extend my distances.