Day 2 – Setting writing goals – this one’s going to be interesting, because not only do I need to consider writing goals, but also family and financial needs.

This is about writing, though, so I will do my best to set the goals:

1. Short Term Goals. Writing goals that I can attain within the next twelve months… Twelve months is a long time to plan for, I can hardly plan for the next two weeks. Long-term planning is not an asset of mine, though I do my best to stick to plans.

Short Term A:  get that chapbook published!  It’s been accepted, but now I just wait for the publisher to do their thing. Waiting is the worst. Submitted, accepted, now wait for published….  And we wait.

Short Term B:  get one of those fellowships I applied for. I’ve applied to several fellowships that would grant me access to some well-respected writers and writing programs. What a thrill to travel and learn and teach.  Glorious!

Short Term C:  write more. This is a daily goal – WRITE MORE. I’ve found that since I’ve participated in two poetry readings, the ideas for new works are flowing more easily, thanks to others’ spoken words. Beautiful inspiration.

2. Long Term Goals. I’d love to travel the country as a published author. I want to teach students how to share their voices and perform in front of packed houses that are there to see me. I want to be well-known as an author and poet and performer. This is the selfish performer in me – I want attention, I want people to listen to what I’m saying and respond. I want people to laugh at my funny stories and cry with me recouting painful events. I want to tell the truth so people who do not share my beliefs to hear me. (That’s a tough one, I know…)

Are these goals realistic? For the most part – most of the short term goals are already in process – and we’re in the waiting game.

Ultimate long-term goal – I want to make a living as a writer. Teaching others how to express themselves is a passion of mine – and teaching people that poetry doesn’t have to be frightening. Find the words and arrange them in a way that creates music.