Writing goals | Cathy C. Hall Writes

It’s May!

It’s May! The month of “Yes, you may!”

If you recognize those lyrics from Camelot, and can hear Julie Andrews singing “The Lusty Month of May,” then we’re probably a. pretty much the same age and b. soul mates.

But I’m bringing up that song for more than just a seeking out of similar-aged soul mates (though that’s always a pleasure, too). The truth is, I played writing hooky on the first of the month-and I’m blaming it on May Day. How can a body get writing goals and business in order when celebrating the glories of God’s green earth? Or the joys of His Mother, Mary?

(For Catholic girls back in the day, the month ushered in the May Crowning, when we’d gather bouquets of flowers or roses from our yards and file into church to lay our offerings before Mary. “Oh, Mary, we crown you with blossoms today…”, another song I want to hum on May Day.)

So, now’s it time to take out my calendar and list all my lovely writing goals. First, I’ll fill in regular gigs on their due dates. Then, I’ll take a look at a few markets or contests that I want to submit to this month, and I’ll add them to my calendar. Finally, I’ll pencil in time for work on my YA maunscript. I’ll tack my calendar on the wall next to my computer so I can keep up with the month’s objectives. It’s all very organized and scathingly professional.

Or I might just hang out in my lounge chair, drinking cherry limeade and reading some cheesy paranormal thriller. Because, hey, it’s May.

(Photo from stock.xchng)

Dear Grasshopper,

It’s that time of year again when one must pick oneself up by the chocolate-smeared reindeer slippers and give some thought to resolutions. What’s more, grasshopper, one must put those thoughts into something more than your holiday-befuddled brain. What one must do, I’m afraid, is write the goals and whatnot on paper. Or at least a sticky note. And write your resolutions with some sort of, um, resoluteness. And don’t leave out the particulars. Here’s what I mean:

DON’T say “I’ll become a better writer this year.” (Well, of course you can say that. But it will help tremendously if you actually do something.)

DON’T say “I’ll write the Great American Novel this year.” (Trust me when I tell you that a goal such as that doesn’t work. Unless you’re a Great American who happens to be a Great Writer.)

DON’T say “I’m going to make $20,000 as a writer this year.” (And for heaven’s sake, don’t say something like that around someone else, like, just to throw a “for instance” out there, the Beneficent Mr. Hall. Some people, like for instance, the Beneficent Mr. Hall, may think you have a business plan. However, if you have a monetary goal, one of those business plan thingies would come in mighty handy.)

I could go on, grasshopper, but I think you can see where this whole resolution thing is going. Besides, I’ve got my own very specific, scathingly brilliant goals to think up. (And write down.)