Stepping into 2015

Welcome to a new year on my blog!

My post yesterday talked about the year that just ended - this one will focus forward, on the one to come.

The year 2014 was the first one when I chose a single word to focus on (and, by the way, didn't bother to talk about it in a blog post), and it was very good for me. Because of that, (and because the Lord nudged me in this direction!) I have selected a new word to focus on for 2015.

I actually had a different word (Steady) chosen a week or so ago, but then God changed my word this past Sunday during our Adult Bible Fellowship. My hope is that my focus word will help me draw closer to my family, the Lord, and maybe even my goal of being a published picture book author.

Speaking of writing goals, I have a few of those for 2015 as well. Unlike last year, I'm going to try to make my goals SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-sensitive) - or closer to it, anyway. So, after much thought, discussion with friends, and prayer, my writing goals for 2015 are as follows:

• Complete at least twelve picture book rough drafts
• Do substantial revisions on at least six picture book manuscripts
• Do at least one specific, relatively substantial, thing to improve my children's writing craft each month (e.g. take a class, read a craft book, participate in a picture book-related challenge, get a substantial critique, etc.).
•  Work on a picture book manuscript for five minutes or more at least five days a week the vast majority of weeks.

So, there you have it! My one word focus and four goals. And now - onward! 

Do you have a word, or goals, for 2015?

 
My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1