Happy 2014 everyone!
I will do a “Here’s what I did in 2013” post when I get back to CA; I have journals and drawings and lots of stuff there to reflect back on.
But while I’m away from all of that,
I can do my Illustrated guide to the year,
and I’m happy to say it’s complete!
What’s an illustrated guide to the year?
Well, you take one piece of paper,
and you draw what you want to do and be during the year.
Over the years I’ve really simplified mine,
and most of the drawing is in the typography,
but it’s nice to have one piece of paper to look at all year long;
one thing to focus on.
I’ll share my 2013 one when I get back home,
but I wanted to share an important part of my 2014 one here with you all,
because maybe it will help you,
or you can help me with it!
Writing has always been a bit part of the illustrated guides.
Last year’s writing bit focused on getting an agent,
which I’m happy to say I DID!
but this year it’s all about WORK:
How can you help me?
Let me know about writing challenges! I hate losing and usually win them!
Tell me the books you LOVE to read about writing!
I’m a very fast reader and I know I’m going to run low.
I’m not against re-reading, but I’d love to hear what your go-to craft books are!
The other sections on my illustrated guide?
What else do I have to keep me busy this year?
All these great things!
The top one is 365 things to draw, a daily calendar.
I’m excited to get started on that!
The second one is this Q and A five year journal
that boyfriend and I are going to do together.
I think it will be fun to have something to discuss every day.
He’s glad that I’m writing it all down;
surprise, surprise:
He’s not as much of a reflection junkie as I am.
Speaking of reflection junkie,
I’ve got this bad boy too:
5 year journal!
I’m excited to be able to look back over 5 years!
But what about the day to day of planning?
I’ve got a notebook for that too:
I started it in December and set it up this way:
Limited myself to 5 goals for the month
wrote notes about how I was doing with those goals
then reflected at the end of the month.
I really liked the format,
and I’ll be doing it in 2 week blocks for this year,
and add a to-do list too.
Good news for you if you don’t want to come up with your own system:
copy Katie Davis’s!
She’s offering this nifty hand out to help you plan your year,
and document your successes!
Thanks to Julie Hedlund for bringing it to my attention in this blog post!
I hope everyone is having a great start to 2014.
I have a feeling this is going to be the best year yet 🙂
Until next time,
KE and SS
I love your Illustrated Guide, KE!
As far as craft books go, I’ve really enjoyed Mary Kole’s WRITING IRRESISTIBLE KIDLIT: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CRAFTING FICTION FOR YOUNG ADULT AND MIDDLE GRADE READERS. I read it when I began drafting my MG. It has some really great recommendations and writing exercises.
I plan to return to some of the sections once I start revisions.
Just finished it, Priscilla!
I find it really helpful, especially for help with characters and amping up the tension.
Thanks for sharing though 🙂
Congrats on getting an agent! Thanks for the sharing these tips. I have the Q and A a day 5 year journal also.
Woo-hoo!
5 year journals all around.
Are you having fun with it, Pia?
You’re so great.
My favorite books on craft are ones you’ve probably already read: everything by Natalie Goldberg, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, The Writing Life by Annie Dillard, Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury. I liked On Writing by Stephen King, even though I don’t really read his novels.
I bought a five-year journal too! I started mine on the 1st.
For my new year’s goals: write every day and focus on the word GRACE. That’s it.
I think there may be a few there that I haven’t read, Jackie.
Thanks for the list!
I love your new year goals, and i’m so excited to follow along on your writing journey!
And heck yeah five year journal!
I have a feeling we’re going to complete them 🙂