Looking Back on 2009, and Goals for 2010

Dec. 31st, 2009 at 8:32 AM

So, last year, I was about 20 days late in posting my goals for 2009. This year, I’m going to state them BEFORE the clock strikes twelve. But when I went to open up that long-forgotten entry and see if I’d accomplished what I set out to do…I sort of cried.

Why?

Because I accomplished them.

All of them. And maybe they aren’t the most concrete goals, but…I can honestly say that I accomplished what I set out to do.

On January 20th of 2009, I promised myself that I would:

1) Get an agent. No matter how many rejections build up, I'll find that agent who loves QUEEN OF GLASS. I'm not going to give up. Success is my only option.

2) Finish HADES, Books One AND Two. No complaining, no procrastinating.

3) Keep in better touch with my friends.

4) No matter what happens with my writing, I don't want to forget how very, very much I want(ed) to be a published author, and how many people I know that are also trying to achieve that same dream. When it happens, I want to be able to reach back and extend a hand to those still trying. Because when Mandy (

mandyhubbard ) wrote me that e-mail those many months ago, it meant the world to me: it inspired me, rejuvenated my attempt to get published, and gave me hope that my dream isn't so far off. So, I don't ever want to forget that feeling of gratitude, and how much Mandy's letter impacted me. It would be an honor to someday arrive at the point where I, too, can reach back--and I don't want to EVER forget to do so.

…Hopefully, when I look back on 2009 next year, I'll be able to say I accomplished those things.

Well, January of 2009 Self, you DID accomplish those things. In fact, a week after you wrote that post, your agent called to offer representation. And you not only finished Books 1 and 2 of HADES, but you also wrote the entire ACOTAR trilogy, plus a standalone novel. That’s six books. SIX. And those friends you wanted to keep in touch with? You’ve seen them, and you call them often, and you BBM with them all the time now.

And as for that last goal—perhaps the most important goal—not a day goes by when you don’t give thanks for everything you have accomplished so far. So, January of 2009 Self, you haven’t forgotten that feeling of gratitude…and you’ve actually reached back a few times yourself.

But now it’s time to step it up a notch. And without further ado, here are my goals for 2010.

1) Sell QUEEN OF GLASS (or another book)! And if it sells, work my butt off on making it the best and most awesome book it can be! Maybe this isn't exactly a goal over which I have control, but...I'm still hoping this will be the year.

2) Host at least six guest authors/bloggers on this blog; guest blog on other authors’ blogs at least six times, too!

3) Write at least two new manuscripts. With my new job, I’ll be super busy, so writing two novels (given how long my books are) will be pretty impressive!

4) Revise Books 2 and 3 of ACOTAR within an inch of their lives.

5) Remember EVERY SINGLE DAY the message contained in that fortune cookie I received right before my trip to Egypt:

Only those who dare truly live.

Bring it on, 2010.

What are your goals for 2010? Happy New Year, everyone!!!

Current Location:Philadelphia, PA
Current Mood: hopeful
Current Music:Almost There : Anika Noni Rose : The Princess and the Frog

Comments

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sjmaas

Dec. 31st, 2009 07:25 pm (UTC)

Awwww! Thank you so much! That just brought a tear to my eye! :)
Hope 2010 is awesome for you, too!!!

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Hi! I'm Sarah J. Maas, a YA fantasy author. My debut novel, THRONE OF GLASS, was published by Bloomsbury in August 2012. Book 2 - CROWN OF MIDNIGHT - will be released in August 2013!

In addition to THRONE OF GLASS, Bloomsbury published four e-novellas, all set before the events of the novel. The novellas, THE ASSASSIN AND THE PIRATE LORD, THE ASSASSIN AND THE DESERT, THE ASSASSIN AND THE UNDERWORLD, and THE ASSASSIN AND THE EMPIRE are available wherever Bloomsbury e-books are sold!

I'm represented by the awesome and lovely Tamar Rydzinski of The Laura Dail Literary Agency. I love meeting new people, so feel free to friend me!

For more information about me and my books, please visit my website: http://sarahjmaas.com/

Follow @SJMaas