The Desert Sleuths chapter of Sisters in Crime hosted a conference this past weekend, and it was amazing. There was a panel led by Rhys Bowen with Edith Maxwell, Catriona McPherson, and Lois Winston.
The topic focused on staying creative.
If you’ve read many of my posts, you know I enjoy setting goals. After attending this panel, I’m going to start setting concrete deadlines to accompany my goals.
For instance, if I’m writing a story that does not have a contract yet, I need to remain focused as I write and set deadlines for myself. Also, if I have a contracted story, I should set personal deadlines before the story is due. So, by the time I turn it in to the publisher, it’ll shine.
I was also challenged to set goals for other aspects of my writing life. Marketing, working on my website, newsletters, blog posts, and social media should not be afterthoughts. I need to create with purpose and be consistent.
I would love for you to share your strategies on meeting deadlines and setting goals.
Next time, we’ll dive deeper into keeping our creative juices flowing.
Jackie Layton 
Sounds like good information. I do need to set concrete deadlines for my projects. I usually like to break the big goals into smaller bites to feel like I’m making progress. Thanks for your insights, Jackie!
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Thanks for stopping by, Sherida. I think breaking big goals into smaller bites is a great idea!
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I set goals and write out mini-steps in my paper calendar when I’m focused (you know, not tired or grumpy or anything). I tell myself to carry out what I’ve written down because I won’t always FEEL like working on something, but I shouldn’t change my mini goals based on what I’m feeling that day.
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Priscilla, I can’t imagine you ever being grumpy.
Second, I sometimes have to remind myself that I show up to my other job whether I feel like it or not. My writing deserves the same respect.
Thanks for stopping by.
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