New Year's Writing Resolutions

by Jean Henry Mead

I avoid resolutions because they're usually broken before the end of January, but 2010 is a year to be more organized. Last year was my busiest to date with two books published and two accepted for publication. I'm currently working on two additional books, so a haphazard approach to writing just won't work anymore.

My first resolution is to write a minimum of five pages a day. Yesterday I wrote ten but a lot of dialogue made that easy. I also resolve to plant the seat of my jeans to my computer chair for a minimum of six hours a day, which includes blog articles, promotions, email and networking as well as writing.

I only outline nonfiction books because I find that it inhibits my creativity when writing a novel, but it certainly helps to have a vague notion of what the ending will be. That's why I enjoy writing historical novels which follow actual events and people. But I'm going to attempt to write a loosely constructed outline from now on for my Logan & Cafferty suspense novels.

Sitting at the computer all day tends to pack on the pounds so giving my exercise equipment a workout every day is also a resolution. It stimulates the brain and can't help but prevent writer's block. And speaking of stimulating the brain, I've heard for years that fish caught in their natural habitat are good brain food. Salmon also brings down blood pressure when writing is like pulling teeth, so a couple of grilled salmon fillets a week will hopefully do double duty. :)

Spending more time networking is also high on my list. Because I now live on a mountaintop at 7,000 feet, social networking can only be done via the Internet. It's a great way to stay in touch with other writers as well as the publishing industry.

Reading more books means giving up TV or going to bed earlier. I resolve to do a little of both because there are so many great books out there to read. And we can always learn from the work of others.

Finally, I resolve to be more optimistic about the economy, the publishing business and my own writing career. I plan to work even harder this year to reach my highest potential because writing has become a way of life, not just a diversion.

How about you? What are your writing resolutions?

Happy New Year, everyone.