Every year at this time, people resolve all kinds of things. I notice this at the exercise classes I attend. The first week in January, the rooms are packed. By March, things are pretty much back to the way they were the previous October. Most of these people have probably (I haven't surveyed them, so I can't be positive) decided they want to "lose weight" or "get in shape" and figure a workout at the gym, or a yoga class, or whatever they've chosen, is the way to go. Some may drop out because they're not a good fit for the exercise routine, which is certainly acceptable. The others probably drop out because they're not seeing the results they expected. But what were those expected results? Resolutions are lofty dreams. "I will make the NYT Best-Seller List." Or "I will make enough money writing to quit my day job." Or even, "I will finish three books this year." What people need to do is set goals. Around my h...

Photo by Civinod , via Flickr Hello. Look at the date. Yes, It’s July. Half the year is gone. What have you done with it? How have you spent those 182 days? That’s right. 182 days. There’s a common simile among writers comparing writing a book to gestating and birthing a baby. A normal pregnancy lasts around 266 days. Think on that for a moment. I’ll wait. Now...breathe. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) I’m sure many of you reading this post have been ruthlessly efficient. You may have piles (or files) (or piles of files) - look at that, I channelled Dr. Seuss for a moment - the point is you’ve worked. You’ve accomplished great things. You’ve met your deadlines. For those of you to whom the foregoing applies, please accept my heartiest congratulations, my admiration, and a slight wish for you to soak your head. But...there may be some souls reading this post who don’t have piles (or files) (or piles of files) of completed work. These are the souls I’m writing to now. ...

I know the calendar insists January 1st is the start of the year, but for me, the year begins in September. As children return to school (muffled cheers), the air cools and nature’s autumn palate leaves us open-mouthed, I share with you ten resolutions for a writer’s new year. Yes, you may have made resolutions back in January, but look upon this month as another chance to start fresh. Work with me here, dammit. Here are September’s Resolutions. 10. I will get up from my chair once every hour and stretch. Yes, I know it’s risky to move and lose being in The Zone, but if I don’t, I end up being in The Soreness. Added Bonus : Hourly pacing and muttering. Never a bad thing. 9. I will remember that my keyboard requires a spill-free zone. Lesson learned on this one. That was a bad day. 8. I will turn the Internet off when I’m working. Somehow, Facebook will be able to  muddle through without my presence. It hurts, but it’s true.  7. I will write down word...

It's still early enough in January to be thinking about resolutions. Not being one to rush into anything, I have spent the first week or so just trying to come up with some to add to Elspeth's fine list from earlier this month. (I really don't like being told what to do, even by myself.) Anyway, one of my top goals - isn't a goal easier to deal with than a resolution? Resolutions are so…. resolute and so hard to ignore. Whereas a goal is not as intimidating. So back to my top goal. I decided this year I will write first. No matter what. Right after I finish this game of Solitaire. Smack. Did you just slap my hand? "Yes I did. Step away from that game." But… but. Can't I play just one hand? "No." Not even…? "Nyet." Did you just yell at me in Russian? "Yes. You seem to have a problem with English." I do not. I understand English just fine. And I use English all the time in my writing. "But you are not writin...