January Echoes: Writing and Design Goals for Q1 2023

I set goals most quarters, and January often sets the tone for the year.

Writing goals can feel like starting a mini-story. I’m the character, I jot down what I want to achieve, and then, like a fun first draft, I set out to see how the story unfolds.

Whether or not I achieve my aims always teaches me something. Sometimes I learn that I’m too ambitious; sometimes I learn that I’m not ambitious enough. Sometimes I learn that I care less about a desire than I thought; sometimes I learn that I care more. Either way, at the end of the quarter, I look at the results, and I use them to plan the next.

In an effort to hold myself more accountable, and to encourage others to do the same, I’m sharing my ambitions for writing and design work—I also set personal goals and health goals, but I’m keeping those private for now. Maybe learning to share more will be one of my goals in Q2.

Writing Goals

• Send the Superpowers of Love query to an editor by January 10.

• Finish the second draft of the TLS novel manuscript by March 31.

  • Read and take notes on the first draft of TLS by January 20.

  • Begin the second draft of TLS on January 21.

• Send the Superpowers of Love query to agents by February 1.

• Send stories and queries weekly throughout Q1.

• Connect with writers on:

  • Twitter

  • Discord

  • Writing Meetups

Design Goals

• (Stretch goal) Maybe enter Apex logo contest by January 14.

Here’s a screenshot of how I use Apple Reminders to track goals.

Drop a comment, tweet, or private message if you have questions, suggestions, or want to share your goals for accountability too.

Happy creating.