What do you want to accomplish in 2016 with your writing?

They say a good goal (that is to say, a goal you have half a chance of completing ) is both specific and timed. That is, perhaps, why a lot of "New Year's Resolutions" fail--they are vague ideas with no plan behind them.

So, if I were being a mature and responsible adult, I would make you all write down detailed lists of goals, all with deadlines and five-point plans.

But I also believe that all goals have to start with a spark--an idea, a dream, a vision. So let's start there. What do you want from your writing this year? Where do you see yourself by summertime, by next winter? What projects do you want to work on?

Talk vaguely and dream big. We'll work on the rest later.

My dream is... well, just writing again would be nice!

I do want to work on Peter's Angel. I feel that finishing that project will not only be good for my career (because it will be a project that I can package beautifully and market well), but it will also be good because it will clear something unfinished and uncertain from my desk and mind. So not only will it look good on my "resume" as I pursue other projects, but by finishing it I will prove something to myself, for lack of a better phrase. My writing dead-ended with Peter's Angel; I need to clear that roadblock to keep going.

Beyond that, I also want to look into writing some nonfiction. I've considered a book, but I might start with blog posts or speaking panels. I want to build my public speaking skills with the intent of serving the church through counseling, teaching, or preaching (probably a combination thereof). While I'm a long way from being "qualified" to preach, I know the first step to becoming qualified is to train up those areas that are lacking. So I want to practice writing nonfiction and also public speaking. My husband and I did a few anime convention panels last year, and I hope to do more of those this year. They're excellent practice and a lot of fun.