New Year, New Stories

This year I will write my first novel. I am going to write the first draft long-hand. I purchased colored paper to help me visually organize the story. I will also be utilizing an outline, which I have not done before. I'm going to be burning through a lot of candles, shuffling through stacks of paper, sharpening the same pencil over and over again, and wiping eraser waste off my desk onto the floor. I anticipate crossing out a lot of words and beating my head over simple spelling mistakes. So far, I have the first two pages written. I will be posting updates on my experience, so stay tuned.

Good news! I finished my first novella, The In-Between, on the last day of the year. I ended up writing four drafts of it, each better than the last. It's not perfect, but it's the best I can do presently. I printed the whole thing out and gave it to a beta-reader (a.k.a mom). What's next? I have no fucking clue. I will have to set some time aside to research where/who the heck to send it to. Honestly, I'm okay if nothing happens to it right away. I wrote it and learned how to write better. I am not under the impression that everything I write must be published. Maybe that's because I don't currently support myself with writing, but I'll take advantage of my creative freedom via lack of financial burden. There is something to be said about it. However, the trade-off is diminished time and energy. It is a conundrum I plan to address this year.

What are your writing goals for 2025?

I'm glad you asked. Here they are:

1. Write my first novel.

2. Expand my circle of writing friends.

3. Stay involved with writers groups, critique groups, and volunteer work (lends itself to number 2).

P.S. Fun fact: I taped a picture of Andy Dufresne to the wall above my writing desk. I have a sneaking suspicion that harnessing the qualities that Mr. Dufresne possessed is key to becoming a successful writer.

P.S.S. I bought a "Happy Lamp" and placed it at the corner of my desk. I use it one hour each day as I am writing. I think it helps, especially since I write at night after work. It's bright as shit, so if you buy one, don't look directly at it. Casually ignore it like you do an annoying co-worker.