Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Focus

It's almost the end of the second month of 2009 and I need to revisit my goals for the year.

Already.
I had planned to enter the Daphne with two mysteries. The deadline is March 16. Only 15 pgs and a short synopsis. How hard could it be? The problem is I have to take my focus off my Desire revisions that I'm in the middle of - put them aside for a couple of weeks. I'm just about to rewrite the next few chapters of An Unsuitable Mistress because they no longer fit. I also plan to enter the Desire pitch contest with a new MS - and that is supposed to be in June. If I don't get started on the new MS soon, it won't be ready. See my dilemma? I can't do both.

I believe strongly in the power of focus. Taking your eye off the prize everytime something new and shiny catches your attention is a sure way not to finish anything - and not achieve anything.

Putting it down in black and white like that, makes the decision clear, doesn't it?

Focus on the Desire.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

You're smart to concentrate on finishing the Desire. Especially when you're in the middle. That's the hardest place to stop and pick up the story again.

I had to do the same thing with a contest. I'm in the middle of a revision and decided to stay focused on that rather than jump onto something else. Even though it was only changes to a first chapter, I think I would have regretted losing momentum.

I like your graphic.

Kelly Boyce said...

Good idea to concentrate and not lose focus. Good luck! I think you're on the right track.

Julia Phillips Smith said...

That's so hard to do when I get so many shiny things zooming through my brain...

But you sound like you're putting your own pair of internal sunglasses on for yours, Anne. Great advice.