Even More 2016 Writing Goals (As Told by Tony Stark)

Although I've already done a post on my writing goals for 2016, Beautiful People took it to the next level and asked some more in-depth questions. Thus, I'm here to answer them. (Side note: I really tried to make this post use gifs of Frodo Baggins, but Tony Stark wanted to be here instead.)

1. What were your writing achievements last year?

Somehow, I guess, I managed to write three books. (?!?) One of these was a total rewrite, which was a huge step for me since I had never rewritten or edited anything up until that point.

I also worked on The Angel Novel and Something I Need, both of which are still in progress. I plotted and came up with so many more novel ideas this year. (Gee, thanks, plot bunnies.)

So even though I didn't think it was at first, it was a seriously productive year.

2. Tell us about your top priority writing project for this year?

Currently, my top priority writing project is Spaceboy. I'm about 5,000 words in, and I'd say it's Madam Secretary meets Interstellar. It involves a protagonist with pink hair, a man who looks a lot like Peter Quill, and... well, space and mortal danger. It's going to be fun (I hope).

3. List 5 areas you’d like to work the hardest to improve this year.

I'd like to work on consistency, finishing what I start, editing, writing as often as I can, and writing bravely.

Oh. Also, I'd like to stop procrastinating.

4. Are you participating in any writing challenges?

Yes. I'm participating in a challenge with a group to write a page a day. So far, it's going well. I'll also be doing NaNoWriMo in November of 2016. I will probably be attempting Camp NaNoWriMo too--even though I never win Camp, I apparently have a pathological need to participate every year.

5. What's your critique partner/beta reader situation like and do you have plans to expand this year?

The beta reader sitch is currently non-existent. Yes, I'm hoping to expand this year, even in small ways, because it's time to stop being afraid of people reading my writing.

6. Do you have plans to read any writer-related books this year? Or are there specific books you want to read for research?

I need to research the White House, so a book on that would be good. I think reading something by Stephen King would be cool. I'll also take any recommendations for good books on the writing craft!

7. Pick one character you want to get to know better, and how are you going to achieve this?

Oh my gosh, just one? (I know, I know, I helped pick the questions...)

Okay, I'm going to say Fiona. I know I know her well already, but honestly, she's the only one that comes to mind. Her book is my absolute soul-writing-project, and I want to see her and her story grow in 2016. Obviously, though, since I'm writing Spaceboy, the cast of that is important to get to know as well. (Seems legit.)

8. Do you plan to edit or query, and what’s your plan of attack?

Yes. I believe that I should work on Fiona's stories (Because I'm Irish and Because We Can). I'd also like to edit Lost Girls. My plan of attack? Um...

I guess my plan is to just do the thing.

9. Toni Morrison once said, “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” What are the books that you want to see more of, and what “holes” do you think need filling in the literary world?

I want to see more YA books that are deep, multi-faceted, complicated, and rich. I want to see more representation. I want to see more strong female characters. I want to see more intriguing plot lines. Give it all to me.

10. What do you hope to have achieved by the end of 2016?

At least two projects finished (whether an edit or a first draft). Bonus points if I have three. We'll see.

And simply put, I hope to have written my heart out.

Check out Beautiful People here! What are your writing goals for 2016?