Okay, so it’s January 10th, I’m a little late, or maybe dyslexic, but I’m here at last after a long time away from this blog with no excuse except a thesis to write (okay, that’s a pretty good excuse, you have to admit). I come armed with Writers’ Resolutions, which I share in the hope that a public admission will encourage (humiliate?) me enough to actually keep them.
Here goes:
- Be here – I mean, HERE at this blog – once a week.
- Read outside of my comfort zone. Why? Because it’s easy to stick with what you know, and it’s safe – but it’s not the best way for writers to read. Yeah, I’ve started the year with a Stephen King novel which means both feet are firmly planted in said comfort zone, but whatever, I’ll get there.
- Send stuff out. By far the most boring part of a writer’s life – but kind of essential, if you want to have readers. As I’m fond of saying to others (and then not doing myself): better on an editor’s desk than on mine.
- Write a poem every day. Ouch. This is going to be a tough one to keep but I have done it before. I’ve taken a long hiatus from poetry and I approach it cautiously, like a dog I’m not sure will remember me. I don’t know how we’ll get along this time around, but I plan to bring treats.
There. I am officially accountable, and you all have permission to hound me mercilessly if I disappear or pretend to have forgotten.
But I’m curious: have other writers made resolutions specific to writing? If so, what are they? Please weigh in. (Ha, yes it’s a trick: I’m making you say it out loud, and then you’ll be obliged to follow through).