If we liken our status as writers to football, then I have just suited up. Somewhat of a college player, I have been out of the game for a while, only recently drafted in by Coach Cindy. I’ve taken a few good runs at the sleigh but now I am ready for the real thing. That doesn’t mean I am entirely confident.

That’s why Coach’s observation that writing is a long drive (as a team) toward an eventual touchdown (by an individual) rings true. Being part of this team means that when I fumble, the rest of the group huddles together and all is not lost. To score, step one is making goals–the crucial step two is sharing them. It doesn’t do me any good to think up a play on my own and take off, hoping that it works out. The rest of the team has to be in the know.

Therefore, in no particular order, here are ten of my goals for 2010:

• Figure out if my book will need to become two, or even three books
• Write at least every other day–try for ten pages a week at first
• Blog about my progress (even regress–then the group can help)
• Don’t stop and revise so much, so often
• Don’t get shy and avoid explaining my book when I’m asked about it
• Decide my target audience and keep them in mind
• Read more fantasy fiction (I’m on that one already–Karen Miller’s Godspeaker trilogy)
• Don’t guilt myself so hard for not getting it perfect the first time–just write my way there
• Decide on a new title
• Create an outline–this will help move the plot and avoid fluff that doesn’t advance it

Looking at these, I figure that at least SEVEN of these can be worked toward in the next two weeks! Which is amazing. Having several achievable short-term goals can really be a confidence-booster. Hopefully the new coach of the Washington Redskins will learn from the previous year and realize this winning strategy, too!