We MiGs have been big on sharing our goals with each other over the years. Debbie keeps up a special page dedicated for our monthly goals and year goals. It's been a great way to keep ourselves accountable and cheer each other on.
There's something about putting your goals down, not only on paper, but out there on the web. Suddenly I feel as if I've got an even bigger group of people to keep me accountable than just myself.
And since this is NaNo Writing Month, it seems fitting to share my goals with you guys. I had grand plans to start writing my next book (so excited about it, too!), but I've decided to put that on hold until January.
This month, I'm doing another big revision of GILDED, my novel set in Korea. I'm cutting out characters, adding deeper levels to the existing ones and amping up the romance. It won't be a full rewrite like I at first thought I needed, but there will be many chapters that will have a whole new look and new twist.
It's a big job. And I'm going to finish it this month!
Will you keep me accountable? You better!
How about you? Are you doing NaNo? Any tough goals that you are hoping to finish?
~ Christina
Great post, Christy! I've been thinking about my goals for the rest of the year too. I'm determined to get through the first set of revisions for my fourth novel AND give it a title by the end of November.
ReplyDeleteI have a question:
ReplyDeleteWhat is the average length of a MiG novel?
I have a novel which is about 90,000 words. I know I should "condense" it, but I don't know what wordcount I should be aiming for.
BTW - I used NaNo to write the sequel to my novel last year. I'm participating again this year.
My current goal is to get my first book ready for publication and out into the world. To hold myself accountable, I've started telling people that I'm writing a book. Now everytime I run into them, they ask how it's coming. Because I've told so many people, I can't chicken out.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the best things about NaNo is accountability. It's easy to come up with goals, but not always so easy to stick with them.
The fact that everyone in NaNo is workinng towards the same goal also adds an element of competition. Can I catch up to my writing buddies word count? Can I finish first? Friendly competition can be a powerful tool when trying to reach a goal.
Good luck with your revisions. Sounds like it's going to be an intense month.
You can do it, Christy!
ReplyDeleteYvonne, there really isn't an average book anymore than there is an average reader, but in general, fantasy and sci fi have longer word counts because of the world building. Check out a few books you love on Amazon: I believe they post word counts of novels there. The goal is to make every single word in your manuscript too valuable to cut, and for me, I find that takes beta readers and critique partners.
Thanks, Kate. Mine is an historical novel, something like American Girl or Little House - only directed to an older age group.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip of checking wordcounts on Amazon. I'll do that!
Andrea- I can't wait to hear your new title!
ReplyDeleteMegan- Thanks and good luck to you!
Kate- Thanks for the encouragement. Pass the chocolate
Yvonne- Kate answered your question beautifully. I usually pull five books that are similiar to mine or as close as I can get. Then I compare lenths and even chapter lengths. And look for something pubbed in the last two years too. Good luck!