Wicked Wednesday: Writing Goals for 2017

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writing-goalsWickeds, we all have deadlines, series, proposals, and blog posts that are keeping us busy. What are your writing goals for 2017?

Sherry: Since I went to the Sisters In Crime conference on Adapting Your Work To Hollywood in Los Angeles last April I’ve wanted to write a story to try and sell to the Hallmark channel. I’ve pondered and discarded many ideas and think I’m finally on to one. I’m also writing a couple of new proposals. And working on what is next for Sarah!

Barb: For the first time in years, I don’t know what my writing year holds. Maine Clambake #6, Stowed Away is due in March. Then I’ll work on the proposal for the next three, along with a short story I’ve promised to an anthology. The rest of the year is a blank. Fingers crossed for a series renewal, but if not, there are plenty of things I want to accomplish.

Edith: I’ll be writing three books: Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery #1, capewaterfreestockcropQuaker Midwife Mystery # 4 (IF my contract is extended…), and Country Store Mystery #5. <gulp>  Oh, yeah, and keeping up with blog posts, book releases (three in three months), two short story anthology releases (bringing total releases to FIVE in three months), and every other writing task. But I’m living my dream and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Liz: Lots on the horizon! Like Barb, I’m working on book six in the Pawsitively Organic series, due April 1. After that, will also be writing a proposal for three more (so more finger crossing!). I will also be working on book two in the Cat Cafe series by Cate Conte. And I have another passion project that’s been in various stages of editing for a long time. This is the year that I want to get it finished and sold. And who knows what other fabulous opportunities will come along??

Julie: I am working on copyedits for CHIME AND PUNISHMENT, and then have two more novels to write. So I am working on a plan for the year that allows time for writing, and for editing. I love Sherry’s goal of thinking Hollywood. If I can figure out the time, I need to try and write a screenplay, or a stageplay, and learn how that works.

Jessie: I am plotting away on my next mystery in my Beryl and Edwina series. I have a proposal to write, revisions for one book to complete and copyedits coming up for Whispers of Warning, the next Change of Fortune mystery. It looks like it will be a busy year!

Writers, friends, and fans: What are your work goals for the year? How about hobby goals, or other pursuits?

Published by Julie Hennrikus aka Julia Henry

One woman, three names, many books. As Julia Henry she writes the Garden Squad series for Kensington. As J.A. Hennrikus she writes the Theater Cop series, and as Julianne Holmes she wrote the Clock Shop series. Click on my profile picture to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram! @JHAuthors

31 Thoughts

  1. I am retired, so no work goals. But in terms of mystery fiction-related pursuits, I will be attending both Left Coast Crime and Bouchercon this year. Hope to see many of the Wickeds again in person! And since you all have such ambitious 2017 writing / publishing goals, I will have to tackle my overwhelming TBR mountain even faster!!

      1. Excellent, Edith! Toronto is my hometown and I would love to show you some of the best sights, foods and things to do while you are there!

  2. You all are an impressive bunch! I am agent shopping now, so that’s a different kind of goal. Writing…I am working on a how-to workbook for writers and must have it finished by May. Eek.

  3. Wow! What great goals everyone has for this year. 2017 is a big year of change for me. I have a few goals that I will focus on – finish the second book in my series, outline the third and finish the hat I’ve been trying to knit for months – I keep messing up the pattern.:) And I want to read as many books as I can. 2017 is going to be a great year for all of us. I just know it.

  4. This may be a weird transition year. I have two series coming in hardcover from two new publishers, so I feel like I’ve been called up from the AAA team to the Big Show. I have no idea what that means in terms of time, most likely it will involve researching one area I’m not very familiar with (travel! There’s nothing like being there–googling it is not enough). The Orchard Mysteries are waiting…and waiting…and waiting for a renewal decision, and I want to continue the Relatively Dead series. Well, there went that year! Not to mention a few trips to the Irish cottage, but at least I can get work done there, when I’m not admiring the views and the rainbows.

  6. Working on Book #6 in the Witch City Mystery series “It Takes a Coven.” Finished edits on Book #5 “Grave Errors.” New contract for three more, so those are in the plotting stage for now. Trying hard to get my rights to early middle grade books from Media Source, who seem to be stonewalling me. I so admire you Wickeds who can juggle three series at a time and keep all the balls in the air! I’ll be on a panel at MWA Sleuthfest in Boca Raton next month. and have launch for “Murder Go Round” in February too. Looking for a happy and productive year for all of us!

  7. Wishing all of you the best with your goals! I’m excited about two new projects that I can’t discuss in detail yet. One is a spiritual/medical memoir, and I’m about to start querying. Wish me luck! 🙂

  8. My goals for the year? Reading all the books the Wickeds put out. 🙂

    I’m hoping to find some balance in my life again between work, my blog, and having time for the rest of life. I’m not sure that is happening since I have reviews I’ve agreed to write as far out as May already. Usually, I try to only book a couple of months in advance if that.

    On the other hand, I am part of the bowling league at work again this winter. Ironically, I have to miss the first week due to a work deadline.

    1. You have such a robust reading schedule, for which we are all grateful. I have several friends who’ve joined bowling leagues this year. Sounds like a fun way to get together with folks. Please tell me you have great shirts you wear…

      1. We have very nice polo shirts with our company name, logo, and slogan on the back and our name on the front. Not the traditional bowling league shirt.

  9. I’m exhausted just reading this! I’m working on book two of my series – book one is scheduled for release in early 2018. I’d love to work on some short stories that are languishing in a bottom drawer, and a children’s mystery…. But first things first. A goal is better time management so I have more reading time!

  10. Goal #1, #2 and #3 is to get the delayed WIP out the door by Jan 31! (Why am I on FB, you might ask?) Then, I definitely need to do some web site updating. Recommendations for web designer gratefully accepted! Then, go to Bouchercon ( WIP out in August). Promote new book. Start next book in series.

  11. Two of my favorite authors have offered to read my first two chapters. The thought is overwhelming! My current goal is to get them in shape to hand over. I think this goal possibly needs to include a little bit of letting go of the illusive perfection.

    A large part of this picture is to reclaim discipline, although, Mark, your bowling escapades could easily be the sort of thing that to pull me away from working! The fact that you get to wear polo shirts with logo, slogan, and your name on the front… well, it’s just almost too much to bear.

    When Middle school was over, and the Friday afternoon bowling teams at Collins Bowladrome in Billerica were over for the summer, I was a lost little girl. See what you brought back to me, Mark!

    See how easily I stray? Reclaiming discipline is definitely my goal.

  12. Surviving the year, keeping the shelter staffed, attempting to keep up with all the books that come my way….

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