
- Waste less time aimlessly browsing the internet.
- Read more.
- Write more.
- Have fun and spend more time outdoors
Out of my in-depth resolutions in that post, the only ones I really failed at were write two first drafts (I wrote one) and to revise the BROKEN THINGS project.
Good work, 2013 Emma. A lot of bad personal events happened in 2013, and I was stuck with an undying flu-like lurgy for three entire months as a side-effect of some contraceptive meds, so actually… let’s make that excellent work, 2013 Emma. You made the most of a crap year.
My 2014 To-Do List
- Write 120,000 words. That’s only 10k words a month. That’s doable, right? Riiight? I hope it is…
- Finish 1 novel revision (bonus points if you manage 2). At the moment there are intended to be ALL THE BROKEN THINGS (the giant robot engineer novel) and LEVIATHAN RISES (the seamonster roadtrip novel), but any specifics are flexible.
- Get 1 revised novel out to betas.
- Get 1 revised novel out on sub.
- Finish 1 novel first draft.
- Write 5 short stories. 2013 was the year I got back into writing shorts, but I’ve still got a lot to learn. 2014 will be about continuing the momentum.
- Sub 3 short stories, at least.
- Read 50 books. Any shape or form is accepted this year — I tried to rule out comic books in 2013 and that was the year where comic books made up some of my favourite reads. So in 2014 every single book counts towards the goal.
- Play some video games. Downtime is good for you, and Persona 3, Ace Attorney, Shadow of the Colossus and various other excellent games are all calling.
- Do a few illustrations or sketches. No idea what I’ll be drawing in 2014 butI intend to keep up regular practice.
- Take the practical driving exam. I learned most of the basics of driving in 2013, but my confidence took a knock towards the end of the year due to some scary things encountered on my practice drives. This year I plan to build my confidence back up and get ready to take the practical exam.
- Attend 1 writing convention, at least. Finances aren’t always on my side when it comes to attending industry events, but Eastercon and Bristolcon are both looking like guaranteed trips in 2014.
- Cook or bake some cool new things. We started the year off right at home by trying out pulled pork for the first time using this recipe, which is easy to follow and highly recommended. I’m also planning on making Spirited Away-style steamed buns with sweet red bean paste some time soon.
I’m going to give a quick nod to some of my favourite things of this year.