Even more, I love the idea behind it. To commit to writing on a regular basis, to focus on the path ahead. I feel as if the past few years, I'd gotten off track somehow. I've been writing, and had stories published regularly, but something feels off. Last year became very unfocused, and I wasted a lot of time until NaNo got me back on track. No more. Time's too valuable, and I want to spend it more productively.
During the last half of 2013, I spent a lot of time re-evaluating. So many stories in my head excited me, but I worried that my "platform" is already muddled because I write mainstream and women's fiction and romance (anywhere from sweet to erotic). Some of the stories I really want to write are not even in those genres (futuristic scifi, speculative). More along the lines of what I used to write but strayed from.I've always been a strong believer in going with your gut. My gut is telling me to break through the boundaries I've set up for myself. So although I intend to finish a few WIPs already started, I'm also going to begin those new stories.
Another thing I've strayed from - and completely unintentionally - is keeping a strong link to the writers' communities online. My life took a crazy turn a few years ago and I wasn't able to commit support as I had before. There were many days when stress took its toll and I felt I could barely think straight. (But enough about that, I'm not someone who likes to "share" those sort of things online. Everyone has problems, and I'm no different.) Things have eased up somewhat so I want to jump back in. Visit more blogs, invite more blog guests (you're welcome to be my guest too), and more if I can.
Thanks to S.A. Larsen for setting up the Writer's Creed. If you'd like to join, go here. It's never too late to begin. :)
To the list, I'll add: greater balance. It's not as contradictory as it sounds. One feeds the other.
Likewise, I want to read more. My list of books waiting to be read is ridiculously long. I can't absorb them through osmosis, so I'm going to work them in little by little whenever I have spare time (ha!). No, seriously.
Finally, I'll add regular fitness routines - walking, yoga, whatever. I'm a strong believer in the mind-body connection, and if one suffers so does the other. Yin and yang, it has to even out.
Here's wishing everyone a strong, healthy 2014 in every aspect.
