Last year, I wrote one goal to begin the year. One.
And what that goal was probably won’t be a surprise to anyone in the writing community:
Sign with an agent.
That was it. Sure, I had lots of other things I wanted to accomplish, but that was the only one I wrote down. That was the only one I quantified and put up on a pedestal of my skill, my value, my worth as a writer.
And when the year ended and I had not yet signed with a literary agent? Well, logic would say that I failed. But the more I think about it, the more I beg to differ.
Sure, I didn’t sign a contract. But there are so many things (so many!!!) that I did accomplish.
- I completed and polished many picture book manuscripts. Some that are not so great, sure (hey, they can’t all be winners), but many of these I am so very proud of. These stories come from my heart and soul, and I know that this is what I am meant to be doing.
- I entered contests— and even won a few. Yes, the prizes gained from these contests may be “less than” an agent contract on paper, but I assure you, each of these was an integral piece of my personal journey, and that is invaluable.
- I was selected as a Write Mentor mentee in the summer program. I spent 4 wonderful months working on various PB manuscripts with my mentor. I grew leaps and bounds during this time, but the best part about it? I ended up with a lifelong friend and mentor, and an undeniable champion for my writing. Priceless.
- I put my work out there— a lot. Agent submissions, writing contests, critique opportunities, Twitter pitch events, live pitch events— you name it, I did it. And by doing this, I opened myself and my writing up to a whole world of knowledge, support and growth by all of these unique facets of the writing community. I have no doubt that each one of these helped me grow in various ways, whether “successful” or not. Oh, and that mentorship mentioned above? That was a direct result of taking risks and putting myself out there. It’s worth it, trust me.
- I completed drafting my first MG novel, and I am extremely, ridiculously, shout-from-my-rooftop proud of this. Maybe it will get published, or maybe it will never see the light of day, but my gosh— I did it. And the most wonderful thing about completing this draft is the realization that something that scared me so much was actually well within my reach.
Looking back, it hit me when I saw a tweet recently (and I’m so sorry that I can’t credit who it was here, I do not remember exactly who said it) about only making goals about things that are within our control. It’s simple logic, really, and something I do in my “real” life already. Signing with an agent is not at all within my control. Signing a book contract is not at all within my control.
What is in my control? Working on my craft. Continuing to write. Continuing to put my work out there in every way that I can, and continuing to work with my critique partners and critique groups every chance that I get. I can research agents and submit to those whom I think would make a good fit, but when it all comes down to it, I have zero control over whether any of them will feel the same way.
So my goals for this year? They’re all about me and my work. The rest will come when it’s time. I just have to trust the process and do everything I can to keep improving. But the key words here are “I can.” If it’s out of my hands, it’s off my goal list. Period.
Happy New Year, everyone!
stephanierondeauwrites.com 