"Huh," you may say as you read the title of this post. "This sounds familiar."
Observant reader, it is familiar to you for a good reason. I've done two End of the Year Goals posts before -- one in 2015, and the other in 2016. I never feel like they're the most interesting topic... but they always turn out to be one of my most popular blog posts???
This is a fun and easier blog post to make, so hey -- I'm not complaining. xD Let's get into my goals for the end of the year.
1. NANOWRIMO
- this one is so obvious I'm not even sure why I bother mentioning it.
- I'm hoping to do more coffeeshop writing this November! I mean, I work at a coffeeshop, so that works out nicely. I can stay before and after shifts and enjoy a steaming cup of chai/coffee. <3
- Speaking of coffee, I have a tradition of buying myself a coffee mug each year for NaNo. AND HAVE YOU SEEN THE MERCH FOR THIS YEAR?!? It's all superhero themed, which is brilliant, since I'm writing a superhero story.
- I've refrained for three years from buying any NaNo merch, so I'm taking this as a sign that I must buy my first NaNo T-Shirt. :D
- I was talking to Jane in the comments of one of my other posts, and we were discussing this fear that we'd suddenly forget how to write. That I wouldn't be able to write fast, and when I sat down to make the words happen... they just wouldn't come. It's the type of fear that would take place in a writer's nightmare. I know it's illogical... but I find myself thinking it year after year.
2. PLOT MY NOVEL!
- because in order to write a novel, I kind of need a plot.
- (I suppose this is optional, since I've chosen to forgo it before... but that method is not recommended if I want to keep most of my sanity while editing.)
- [but no matter what I guess I'll lose some sanity while editing. heh.]
- Another NaNo fear: what if I can't find a plot?
- That fear had better not become a reality, because I don't have a plan B.
- My method of plotting:
- brain-dumping all "what ifs" and "possible ideas" onto a notebook page
- do the above step multiple times until there's a rough over-arcing plot structure
- cry
- eat food
- preferably pizza
- or cookies
- or both
- then use the magical snowflake method!
3. BRAINSTORM BLOG POSTS
- going along with this theme of "fears..." I also fear that someday I'll run out of blog content to produce.
- which is another Stupid Fear because there's always something to blog about.
- like hippos
- or rhinos
- or pizza!
- ahem.
- but anyway, I want to be prepared for next year. I hate panicking on Friday night, wondering what to blog about... so by brainstorming ahead of time I can avoid the last-minute-writing-long-past-midnight.
- (so if you have any posts you'd like me to write about... do let me know)
- Since NaNoWriMo is coming up... I've been thinking about what I want to do blogging wise during November. The past couple years I've done weekly NaNo wrap up posts. Are those still interesting?
4. KEEP MY ROOM CLEAN
- HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
- ha.
- I may seem like I would be a neat and orderly person, seeing that I enjoy clean and minimalist and aesthetic looking things... but my room is a catastrophic disaster 97% of the time.
- BUT having a clean room inspires me, so especially with NaNoWriMo coming up (sorry for continually reminding you oops), I want my writing area to be as motivating as it can be.
5. ACQUIRE ANOTHER PAIR OF FUZZY SOCKS
- Fuzzy socks are magical.
- actually, socks in general are magical.
- that is all there is to say about this goal.
- boo cold, frozen feet.
- yay comforting, warm socks.
6. BRAINSTORM BULLET JOURNAL
- so far I've been keeping up with my bullet journal throughout the year (yay!), but I'm hoping to do some new things with it in 2018.
- right now it's more of a to-do list/planner, and while that's super helpful and motivating... I want to make it into more of an artsy journal.
- because I won't want to look back on my to-do lists in ten years (they'll probably still all look the same: write, edit, blog, work. :P), but if I make it more personal, it's like a memory book of sorts! That's something future me will definitely want to flip through.
- with things like:
- memories
- quotes
- doodles
- souvenirs/letters
- printing out some pictures??
- journal entries
- thoughts about life
- writing prompts
- [along with the planners and to-do lists]
- the prospect of a new year can sometimes be overwhelming, so this is one way I can hype myself up for 2018. xD (but shh it's still three months away so I shall refrain from talking about it)
<3,
katie grace
katie grace
what are three things you want to accomplish by the end of the year?
Okay so before I answer your question, I have a few things to say.
ReplyDeleteI GOT THE SAME TWENTY ONE PILOTS SOCKS THAT YOU SHOWED IN YOUR FIRST VLOG AT HOT TOPIC AND I LOVE THEM. *composes self*
Also my bullet journal consists of one full page (front and back) for two days. I divide the front in half and use it to talk about how I'm feeling and what I'm thinking and then the back is strictly for journaling. Just thought you might wanna know in case you're looking for bullet journal ideas.
Three things I'm hoping to accomplish by the end of year...
•Attempt NaNoWriMo.
•Successfully plot the rest of my long-term WIP, Forgotten...maybe. I'm aiming lower than I wanted to cause finishing it will be a miracle at this point.
•Read at least 25 books. I'm currently at 17 or 18, I can't remember, but I'm reading The Hunger Games for the first time so that's automatically another 3 books once I finish the trilogy so I'll probably hit at least 20-21 at the lowest. 😉
AHH YOU DID?? NOW WE'RE SOCK BUDDIES! *dances* Mwahaha, if we ever meet we'll have to wear them together! (though mine might be mismatched because I can never keep track of my socks. *sobs*
DeleteOoh, that's a good idea! I'll mark that down as a possibility. There are so many ways to use a bullet journal! o.o (which is good, but also... decisions! :P)
YOU CAN DO THIS. Those are hefty goals, but I believe in you! We'll have to check in at the end of the year to see how we did with the goals. :D
OMG YES but mine won't match either because matching socks are stupid lol. It's more fun to mix em up.
DeleteLol, yes let's do that. I'll probably be a failure but whateves. I'll try. XD
Pssh you can do it! It's always awesome to make the goals themselves... but if they help you motivate yourself, that's an accomplishment as well. :P
DeleteYou need to blog about hippos sometime. Or rhinos. That would be brillliant.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally for you blogging about hippos and rhinos. The poor things never get the attention they deserve.
DeleteMwahaha I should. How hilarious would that be? XD
DeleteI have that same book shelf, but its not as full of books. *sobs*
ReplyDeleteYour writing space is amazing! <3
Three things I want to accomplish?
-Finish my Novella
-Edit the second book in the trilogy I'm writing
-Hopefully have my Alpha read the first book in the trilogy so
I can send it off to betas.
Great post, Katie!
~Ivie
iviewrites.blogspot.com
Ooh you do? That's so cool! And that's okay. *pats* You'll get there eventually! :P
DeleteOoh, sending your novel off to betas? That's terrifying! (and exciting) You can do this. :D
It is a bit terrifying and exciting! I just hope I don't have a panic attack. I am very protective of my writing. XD
DeleteYay for NaNo! I'm joining in again this year as a rebel so I can edit stuff. Also, I'm super tempted to buy NaNo merch now, but I need to buy stuff for my Halloween costume so I don't know.
ReplyDeleteI would actually like a post about your opinions on the best and worst types of pizza. Also best and worst types of chai/tea/coffee.
My goals for the rest of the year are basically:
1. Conquer my classes (aka get A's in all of them so I can keep my sparkly GPA to impress people with and also acquire another mug)
2. Do NaNoWriMo
3. Finish writing and editing my current WIP in time to submit it to the contest I wrote it for.
My first year of NaNo was me rewriting/editing a novel, so rebel buddies! :P What are you going to be for Halloween?
DeleteOoh that would actually be quite fun. xD
Do you have a mug tradition with passing your classes? YOU GOT THIS. Sounds like a busy year but I believe in you. :D Is the contest the Rooglewood press one?
I love the coffee mug tradition! That's such a cool idea and a very tangible reward. I've never won NaNo but I'm thinking maybe this November I'll try? We'll see!
ReplyDeleteIS THAT YOUR ROOM?!
It's literally so aesthetically pleasing and very minimalist and gorgeous! GAH NOW I WANT TO CLEAN MY ROOM!
You can never go wrong with a pair of fuzzy socks. They make life possible, yo.
<3
DO IT ERIN. You'd rock it.
DeleteYESS IT IS. GO CLEAN YOUR ROOM WITH THIS NEWFOUND INSPIRATION BECAUSE IF YOU'RE LIKE ME IT RARELY COMES. xD
OH MY GOODNESS NANOWRIMO! Not a day passes by that I don't think of it, especially since it looms over us all with the -ber months already here.
ReplyDeleteYour room is so pretty 0.0 It definitely has the writer's aesthetic and I'd love to write in front of an open window!
I think I'm pretty chill with this year's goals! I do want to complete another writing project, whether it be a first draft of a novel or a flash fiction collection, but reading-wise I'm already at my 40th book! Not bad for me considering I made it to exactly 30 before last year ended.
Good luck with your goals! You can do it <3
- andrea at a surge of thunder
Yess! I actually used to have my desk against the wall, but then I realized that I could be in front of the window instead so I rearranged things immediately. xD
DeleteOoh, that's awesome! Go you! Sounds like it's been a productive year and it's not even over yet. :D
I can't wait for NaNo!!! I've already started my synopsis-outline, so I like to thank I'm on track for the moment.
ReplyDeleteBut don't even get me started on my bullet journal...I'm the least artistic person ever. It's just a bunch of lists. But I like it, though it's not pretty like the ones you see all over the internet.
I'm still working out my EOY goals, though...
AHH HOW EXCITING. Can I ask what you're writing about?
DeleteHey, do what works for you! It's fun to make it pretty, but ultimately it's for organization and productivity purposes. :P
I'm finishing up the third book in my trilogy. So I kinda already know what's going to happen. But I'm really excited!!!
DeleteThat's what I've decided. Forget trying to make it pretty; as long as it keeps me organized!
Writing in coffee shops is the best!!! Also I had trouble for MONTHS trying to find a plot, but it eventually came to me x)
ReplyDeleteYAY good to know that there's hope. xD
DeleteLoved this post! I've missed reading your blog but I feel like life is trying to swallow me whole ... :/
ReplyDelete{bookstagram} @eliza.noel.writes
Haha I feel so bad for you, Eliza fren! <3
DeleteUgh, gross. *scolds school* *or life* *or both* I hope things clear up for you soon here! <3
DeleteGreat goals, your room is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteEee, thank you! <3
DeleteI'm hoping to do NaNo this year, but also, I have SO MANY books I need to edit... BUT I JUST WANT TO WRITE ALL THE THINGS. Dilemma, dilemma.
ReplyDeleteUGH THE STRUGGLE IS SO REAL. Is there a book you need to rewrite? Because you can always do that for NaNo... otherwise just join the rebels and do some editing. xD
DeleteAwesome post!:) I can't wait to hear more about your novel.
ReplyDelete-Quinley
Aww, thanks!
DeleteDefinitely post about hippos and pizza. =)
ReplyDeleteThree things.... (1.) Actually write the novel I've been plotting. (2.) Redesign my blog. (3.) Get better at blogging regularly. Schedules + Me = Disaster. xD
Micaiah @ Notebooks and Novels
I'll keep that in mind. ;)
DeleteOOH, redesigning blogs are always fun! (and a LOT of work. >.<) And good luck with that schedule. I understand how tough they are. :P
(and just so you know, the link to your blog is broken? I clicked on it but it didn't lead me anywhere)
Delete<3333 YAY FOR GOALS!! I have a couple, pretty big, but I'm trying :|
ReplyDelete-Memorize infant diseases:symptoms/causes+cures
-FINISH 7TH GRADE.
-Learn the 'Allegro Fiocco' (violin)
I'm pretty far away from all of these, so working really hard lol 😩😉
Whoahh, is memorizing all that part of your school? That sounds insane! o.o AND you play the violin? Wowza, you're awesome. xD
DeleteNot really, I will have to when I'm apprenticing for Midwifery, so why not get a head start?! XD aww, thanks so much!! <3
DeleteOh my goodness, you're going to be a midwife? THAT IS SO COOL, PAIGE! Aww. Have you had that dream for awhile, or did you just gain interest about becoming one?
DeleteYou have such awesome goals!!! Also your writing space is like 2041728130x more aesthetic than mine and I'm dying it's fine.
ReplyDeleteGOALS!!
-Complete NaNo
-JOURNAL JOURNAL JOURNAL
-Somehow by the grace of God complete my reading challenge
pshhh probably isn't XD
DeleteYOU GOT THIS GRACE ANNE. JOURNAL EVERYTHING. READ EVERYTHING. WRITE EVERYTHING. I'LL BE RIGHT THERE WITH YOU.
My goals = same as yours 1-4. (Because it's getting hot here and please no, I don't need more socks. xD)
ReplyDeleteAnd aack, I'm still stuck on what to write/plot. I really want to do superhero but HOW DO I MAKE IT ORIGINAL??
BUT ALSO YES THE SUPERPOWERED NANO THEME. I FEEL LIKE IT'S TELLING ME SOMETHING. *cries because postage prices though*
YAY we can conquer these goals together. XD
DeleteUGH I FEEL YOUUU. And beside superhero movies, I feel like I don't know that genre very well. What I've been trying to do while plotting, is take something that's unoriginal but place a twist on it -- something that's unique and will hook people's interest. Which means lots of "what if" brainstorming. :P
AND IF YOU WANT TO SHOOT ME A MESSAGE WE CAN TRY TO BRAINSTORM TOGETHER IDK EXACTLY HOW WELL THAT WOULD WORK BUT I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ANY IDEAS.
Ughhhh right?? They're INSANE. 11 dollars of shipping for a 10 dollar mug. *cries* But my mom has agreed to get me one as an early Christmas present, so that's been settled thankfully. xD
OOOH YAS THAT'S AN EPIC PLAN. I shall do that actually. *bounces*
DeleteGood luck on all the things! Your room is gorgeous by the way! My goals are mostly just 1) continue passing classes, 2) get a steady job, 3) get back on track with my reading goals 4) start learning Russian
ReplyDeleteSo yeah, that's a thing. (Hit post before I finished typing hahahaha)
DeleteOoh, any ideas for where you'll apply? Getting a job is a a big step of "adulting," heh. :P
DeleteRUSSIAN? o.O Whoah, that's awesome. I've always loved how that language sounds. There's a regular Russian couple that comes to my Starbucks and their accent is amazing. o.o
Probably fast food or retail for convenience's sake. The best case scenario is that maybe there'll be an opening at the library where my dad works. And yep, Russian. I don't have any real reason to learn it, but it's super fascinating to me and I want to be familiar with more languages, so why not, you know?
Delete*nodnod* Ooh, I hope that the library will work! But a job's a job, so I suppose anything will do. xD
DeleteI love this! We always focus our goals at the beginning of year/months/days/etc when really we should be making new goals all the time. I hope you end your 2017 strong!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hannah! And yeah, I always make beginning of the year goals, but they usually change or I have others to add... so this post comes in handy. xD
DeleteI really love your ideas for the bullet journal. I've wanted to improve mine for a while and this gave me a lot of ideas.
ReplyDeleteI totally can't wait for NaNo!!
Hope that your goals help you finish out the year strong!
Aww, yay! I'm glad. New bullet journal ideas are always exciting. xD
DeleteYAY! What are you writing for NaNo?
I'm writing a sequel of sorts for one of my other books. I'm pretty excited about it. Hopefully it'll turn out okay.
DeleteYOU GOT THIS. <3
DeleteFinish re-watching the show Emergency and the show The Walton's!
ReplyDeleteOoh, fun! I haven't watched either of those, but shows are fun. xD
DeleteThis was a very cool post! I haven't thought much about my goals for the end of this year, but this post has made me want to do that.
ReplyDeleteI love it! :)
~Kendra
Here's the link to my blog: https://talesfromidealist.wordpress.com its private, but I let some kindred spirits read it and i would love it if you wanted to join them. :) You can go to the link and request permission to read it.
You should think up some goals! The're very helpful and motivating for getting stuff done. :D
DeleteBy the way, that was me... I accidentally commented with the wrong account. :D
DeleteYay for fuzzy socks! And dude. O.O I've never really put that fear into words--about forgetting how to write. Which is RIDICULOUS but I totally know what you're talking about?? *goes to ponder this for the rest of the day*
ReplyDeleteAH GOOD I'M GLAD I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE. o.o It's a bothersome fear. >.<
Delete(I want to steal your Twenty One Pilots jacket.)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your goals!
Hehe, it's actually a giant fuzzy blanket! But it does look like a jacket in the picture. (which would be quite epic)
DeleteThanks, Abbey!
THIS POST MADE ME SO HAPPY!!!!! I will be doing NaNoWriMo as well-and AM QUITE NERVOUS ABOUT IT AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
ReplyDeleteBut I'm sure it'll work out for all of us. It's just insanity, right?!?!?!
Pshh.
No big deal.