Voice—Development Part Three

Workshop: An Introduction to Writing for Children and Young Adults

“Discipline is the key to all that follows, the bedrock of productive writing.” Kenneth Atchity

Three: Set Specific Goals

Goals are a working tool that will change many times as the months go on. They can be fluid to the story, but stay concrete towards the overall schedule. This is where we take all the various parts that attach to writing and spread them out. What can be done in tandem? What is sequential? What part need greater blocks of time-which can be done in short bursts. It’s the long view.

Goals are meant to be an aid and not a taskmaster. If they become overwhelming then redesign them into a more conservation format. Or if they are too easily attained, then consider making them a little tighter.

Goals should be:

First—Specific

Second—Measurable (think quantity)

Third—Attainable (think action)

Fourth—Relevant/realistic

Fifth—Time-bound (think deadline)

Michael Hyatt sets up “Work Objectives” to identify—focus—agree—prioritize—accountability. Then set the deadlines within each segment. 

Here are some possible action steps to consider applying to your project. Personalize them as needed.

Action Steps:

Choose One Priority Questions: Ask

1.     What are the specific steps I need to take to make this happen?

2.     Which of these steps can I do without any additional knowledge? Which ones need research-a class- etc.?

3.     Examine a time frame. What goal for the next year. Break it down into monthly-weekly-daily goals.

4.     Set realistic goals. Re-examine. Have you built in some gap time? Are there seasons of the year that you have more time/less tim?  How could this impact your schedule?

Setting Goals For Writing

Reading:

            Set yourself some reading goals as well as writing goals

1.     Look for three books in your area of interest from three different authors to read over the next two months

2.     Pick up a cheap second hand copy of a book you really like to read and mark-up as a study of character development/plot twists/ sensory details/action etc.

3.     Read constantly—it all connects

Writing:

Identify goal. Identify major obstacles to goal. Identify what skills and knowledge are needed-cost. Create a plan and then work backward. Ex. Rough draft a novel in one year.

            Set yourself clear writing goals

1.     1^st three chapters by date…

2.     Polished first chapter by…

3.     Zero rough draft by…

Process Your Feedback

Choose whatever method will work the easiest for you. You want to be able to check your progress but the process should not take over your schedule or your writing time. Here are two possible versions.

1. Daily log: work accomplished, work undone, work not visible, working relationships, potential problem, 1^st thing to do next, brief comments re your feelings/attitudes.

2. Project Log: clarify notes, changes, what worked what flopped, what needed more time, participants, season of year-anything that could change next time. Quantities/Dates

3. Supplies/Records Log: This helps keep track of research notes, appendix material, reference books, library references, possible marketing connections, organizations and any correspondence.

Share: What is your first priority? What deadline have you set to accomplish it?

Read deep, marcy

Next Session: Picture Books