Writing goals are something that every Writer should sit down and write before they begin any type of article, story, book, etc.  I read two wonderful articles, “Setting Writing Goals” and “Developing a Writing Plan” that give tips on how to create such a document.  Imagine it as a business plan for your writing career.

Without the goals I have always set for myself, I wouldn’t have achieved half of the things that I have in my life.  Goals keep you focused on the life that you want for yourself, so it should apply to my writing career as well.

The following is my writing plan (so far):

Vision Statement: I want to become a full-time freelance writer who will get published in notable publications.

2009 Long-Term Writing Goals:

1. Get ten articles published in a magazine/trade journal
2. Get two new clients every month
3. Write a short story that will get published in a literary journal
4. Become a respected Blogger
5. Become a full-time Freelance Writer

Short-Term Writing Goals:

1. Send five queries a week to various magazines/trade journals
2. Create an effective blog schedule
3. Write 300 words a day for short story
4. Write two hours a day until I go full-time
5. Continue applying to blogging gigs
6. Develop an implementation schedule for writing career
7. Learn how to manage time wasters
8. Write a blog entry every day
9. Write in personal diary every day

I am still working on the deadlines for each one.  This part is going to take a day or two to think about because I have to shift my schedule around, even if it also means waking up earlier.  By the end of this year, I want to be able to stay home with my children, and be able to smile when I wake up in the morning.  If I focus on my goals, I will be able to one day.  Wish me luck!