Writer Resolutions: 2018 in Retrospect and Looking Forward to 2019
Well, it’s New Year’s Day (and my birthday!). This has been a hugely transitional year. Some goals were unmet and projects left incomplete, while other surprising things happened. Here I hope to talk about some of the steps forward I took in the hopes it will help you, as well as talking about goal-making for 2019.
I published a book.
Back in April, I grew ill, and this illness kept me mostly in bed for over a month. Rather than growing discouraged, though I was incredibly frustrated, I began to think about what I wanted to do that I had previously held off on because of doubt. I sometimes felt disappointed in myself for not being where I wanted to be.
I wanted to publish Dove Keeper, and because of how difficult publishing longform horror is when you are unestablished—especially something as niche as historical Gothic horror—I had considered self-publishing and researched it for years. (I was also unwilling to compromise on the “horror” label.) I followed indie writers like Derek Murphy, J.A. Konrath, and Joanna Penn. I loved the idea of having creative control and even marketing, something many introverted writers like myself dislike.
However, when I discussed this, I was told to keep trying to traditionally publish, and I feared disappointing anyone or—worse—botching the book launch as someone inexperienced in this matter beyond reading the stories of other authors on blogs and Reddit. (By the way, if you're considering self-pub or need marketing tips, you should totally check out the self-publishing subreddit. It's a ton of info and insight for free.)
When I grew sick, though, I sorted out my priorities. Suddenly, the expectations of others mattered much less. I also considered why I had created the story in the first place: to have to story that entertained, frightened, surprised, and allowed people whose voices are seen less in traditional horror fiction to see themselves in characters who struggled with grief, trauma, and mental illness.
In the end, I began to slowly plan for an October launch. I led a book launch party and did a book signing. Dove Keeper is by no means a smash hit, though it's doing well and has exceeded my expectations for a first book. The invaluable feedback I've received has let me know the book has helped and thrilled others in the ways I had hoped. I'm excited to bring more work to you you can hopefully enjoy.
I had nine poems and three short stories accepted for publication.
This is a lot for me, but I should mention that while I announce the successes, I don't announce when my work has been passed on. For every one acceptance, I have had had ten rejections. Often when I succeed at traditionally publishing a short story or poem, I feel emboldened and begin to send my work out more widely.
I didn't expect to have more than one thing published. I had only published one poem before, but didn't consider myself a "real poet." I'm hoping to work more on short stories and flash fiction this year.
You can read two of my poems over at Oceans & Time.
I helped co-edit a literary magazine that released its first issue.
Exhume, a literary magazine I helped start with three good friends and fellow writers, published its first issue, which can be read here. We are open to submissions from everyone, though our focus leans toward perspectives from queer artists and trauma survivors. If you think your work fits, please submit!
I was chosen to be a 2019 editorial and social media intern for Sundress Publications.
While I have experience in editorial work, social media, and being a part of a press, I have always wanted an experience that combined all of the above. I'm super excited to help out at Sundress!
I have been accepted as a regular fiction contributor for a literary magazine.
I will be publishing regularly over at Marias at Sampaguitas. I'm hoping this will embolden me to write far more flash fiction and short stories, which will likely improve my craft.
This all happened as I was doing graduate school as well! However, most of my publications occurred when I was on break because I had more time to submit.
Looking Forward to 2019
I actually have a super secret writing-related thing I am working on that has nothing to do with novels. I'll reveal more a few months into 2019. I want to see how I manage my workload.
The truth is that I don't currently have concrete goals for my works, at least when it comes to writing. Tentatively, I plan to publish two books a year—one in the first half and another in the second half. As of now, this plan is still cogent. I will probably continue to send my poetry and short stories out, as well as publish regularly at Marias at Sampaguitas. It is my hope I will complete one or two novel manuscripts, but I have no hard deadlines because I want to give myself room to breathe.
Which brings me to . . .
Writers and artists making goals: don't yourself up, especially if you have extremely high standards or use metrics established by able-bodied individuals.
Dealing with chronic illnesses, whether physical, mental, or both, can change what being an artist is like. “Write every day.” “Write 2,164 words a day or you're not a Real Writer™.” Some of this isn't feasible every day, and it doesn't make you less of writer to take care of yourself.
Taking a break is okay. Even “quitting” at times is fine. 1,000 words a day is great. 500 words is great. 50 is great. That's progress! But if something's not working, it may be time to—instead of forcing through the lack of motivation or progression (unless that works for you)—look at what's not working or wait it out.
While I'm a problem solver, I've also come to the conclusion that many projects I want to do, no matter how passionate I am, aren't “ripe” yet. I'm not at the stage where I can commit to them. Perhaps they're loosely inspired by feelings that are too close to me to properly convey. Maybe this technique doesn't work for you. While I hope my advice is actionable, I also realize writing advice depends heavily on the individual.
I hope you learn more about what works for you. Happy New Year!