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116 Comments

  1. Christine Rains
    July 16, 2018 @ 10:51

    Wow, you’re so wonderfully organized and committed! I wrote for fun since I was a child and did a ton of online RPGs too. I still play with one person via email in a morphed Harry Potter world. Thanks for co-hosting.

    Reply

  2. jmh
    July 9, 2018 @ 17:31

    Small steps do count for a lot. I forget that sometimes, forgetting when I don’t have two hours to write, ten minutes is better than nothing. Thanks for the reminder.

    Reply

  3. Olga Godim
    July 8, 2018 @ 17:32

    I love the idea of small steps. You’ve done so much by taking those.

    Reply

  4. Chrys Fey
    July 8, 2018 @ 13:38

    Small steps totally count. We all get to where we want/need to be by taking a step at a time.

    I don’t think I’ll ever make money from my writing. Nothing substantial at least. I just got my earnings for the last quarter from my publisher…$26. Yay! lol

    Reply

  5. Nick Wilford
    July 8, 2018 @ 08:18

    Wow! You’ve done so many things, I can see what you mean about it all adding up. You’ve accumulated a wealth of knowledge that you can use going forward. Good luck with all the rest of your goals this year!

    Reply

  6. mirymom
    July 7, 2018 @ 18:35

    Definitely agreed about micro-goals. I think it’s important to have a big vision, and small steps that will eventually get you there! Good luck! @mirymom1 from
    Balancing Act

    Reply

  7. Melanie Rickmann
    July 6, 2018 @ 18:59

    Wow good job on absorbing all the information you can about improving your writing. I will definitely look into some of those courses. Also good advice about Medium. It’s been on my to-do list for awhile but I keep forgetting. Thanks for all the tips!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 7, 2018 @ 14:23

      They are some great courses. Your welcome. Thanks for visiting.

      Reply

  8. tara tyler
    July 6, 2018 @ 16:10

    i thoroughly enjoyed your writing backstory and it looks like a positive future!
    funny you mentioned rpg – i’m looking into creating one, as if i don’t have enough on my plate, but my dad keeps telling me i should try it…
    happy writing!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 7, 2018 @ 14:17

      Good luck. If you need help or have any questions feel free to asked. I have started several over the years. They all still exist although they are no longer active on yahoo. I also recently started creating a wiki one but stop production on that. I need to get back to it.

      Reply

  9. Tamara Narayan
    July 6, 2018 @ 11:24

    Wow, you’ve done a lot. Good luck continuing with the journey!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 7, 2018 @ 14:14

      Thank you.

      Reply

  10. Victoria Marie Lees
    July 5, 2018 @ 17:51

    Oh my gosh, Juneta! I started my writing career classes at the Institute of Children’s Literature, too. It was done through the mail back then. Always a pleasure reading your blog, my dear. Enjoy your summer.

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 7, 2018 @ 14:13

      LOL, Very cool, someone else also said they too that course below. Thank you. You have a great summer too.

      Reply

  11. Diane Burton
    July 5, 2018 @ 14:36

    Thanks for co-hosting this month. You sound so focused and upbeat. Wonderful! Having goals helps a lot. Best wishes.

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 7, 2018 @ 14:02

      Thank you.

      Reply

  12. Deb R.H.
    July 5, 2018 @ 14:24

    Thank you for co-hosting. I totally understand the need for validation!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 7, 2018 @ 13:56

      Thank you for visiting.

      Reply

  13. Stephen Tremp
    July 5, 2018 @ 09:45

    “Do something, anything no matter how small or unimportant it may appear or feel. You have done something and it will add up over time” This is exactly my thought. I do something, anything, every day. over time they added up to four books a few web sites and a number of side hustles.

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 7, 2018 @ 13:55

      Wahoo, and that counts. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

  14. Elsie
    July 5, 2018 @ 07:37

    I agree with you, be the turtle. I think it helps us be happier when we write and in life. Also, D&D fan here 🙂 We played up until a couple of years ago. And that was only because our oldest moved out of state. I’m sure when he gets closer to home again, we’ll play again.

    Thank you for co-hosting!

    Elsie

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 7, 2018 @ 13:53

      Thank you for visiting.

      Reply

  15. Lynda R Young
    July 5, 2018 @ 01:38

    Great goals! You are so focused and positive. I find it really encouraging.

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 7, 2018 @ 14:19

      Thank you. I find you the same way.

      Reply

  16. Susan Bruck
    July 4, 2018 @ 23:54

    Thanks for sharing all those great resources–I’m definitely going to check some out. And by the way, I took a class from ICL back in the paper and snail mail days, too. Good luck with all your projects! and thanks for co-hosting this month.

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 7, 2018 @ 13:50

      LOL, I can definitely recommend and as you see I enjoy them a lot. Very cool another ICLer. I wish I had been more focused about it back then but mindset was not in the right place then.

      Reply

  17. Susan Swiderski
    July 4, 2018 @ 19:10

    Whew! You’re some kinda busy! One thing I can say for sure: I’m definitely more on the tortoise side when it comes to writing. Hopefully, slow and steady will continue to win the race. 🙂

    Thanks for co-hosting this month! Happy 4th!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 19:58

      It sounds busier than it is but I do have more to focus on.

      Reply

  18. cgcoppola
    July 4, 2018 @ 18:12

    Wow! Look how far you’ve come! That’s awesome 🙂

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 20:37

      I felt like I was going nowhere but when I started writing this post I realize I had manage more than I thought.

      Reply

  19. mlouisebarbourfundyblue
    July 4, 2018 @ 17:35

    You are the definition of persistence and moving forward, Juneta! Wishing you happy and successful writing this month!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 20:38

      I don’t feel that way but I try. Thank you.

      Reply

  20. Adrienne Reiter
    July 4, 2018 @ 17:19

    Hi Juneta! Great post. That’s quite a list for 2018. Inspiring! My ultimate writing goal is to create an anchor series. I’ve tried before and lost steam. Now that I have a new publisher who sees my vision, I have renewed hope. Thank you for co-hosting. Happy 4th of July!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 20:40

      Happy writing to you and much success. Anchor series is a new term for me, but I wish much luck and prolific thoughts and words.

      Reply

  21. yvettecarol
    July 4, 2018 @ 17:00

    I was particularly taken with this month’s question, too. Great post, Juneta! Coincidentally, a fellow Toastmaster gave a speech this week on the wisdom of setting micro-goals. I went from never having heard of it to hearing about the concept twice in one week! 🙂

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 20:59

      LOL,that is a coincident. .

      Reply

  22. diedre
    July 4, 2018 @ 15:55

    Your enthusiasm is inspiring! We can never have too many books on the craft of writing, can we? The Hemingway quote is one I hadn’t heard, but I love it!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 21:03

      LOL, I know I never get enough.

      Reply

  23. Lynn La Vita
    July 4, 2018 @ 15:21

    I’m so impressed with your activities! My goodness how to you keep everything straight? I’m lucky to know what day of the week it is. Thank you for co-hosting IWSG blog hop. Best of luck with all your projects.

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 21:06

      Well it all happen over the last 7 to 8 years so just one or two things at time so didn’t have to keep it straight, but when I laid it out in post like that it looks like a lot. Thank you.

      Reply

  24. Jemi Fraser
    July 4, 2018 @ 15:07

    Love this! I particularly love that Hemingway quote – may have to pin that above my keyboard for all those days when I decide I’ve learned something new so have to start again… 🙂

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 21:15

      Glad you enjoyed it. *thumbs up*

      Reply

  25. NRRN
    July 4, 2018 @ 14:57

    Hi Juneta!

    Thanks for this awesome post. And yes, so true! Writing books and selling them is important even though we write for ourselves rather than to a specific audience.

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 21:16

      So happy you enjoyed it. Agreed.

      Reply

  26. doreenb8
    July 4, 2018 @ 14:53

    I loved this months question too. It really made me think about my original goals. Thank you so much for hosting this month!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 21:20

      Thank you for visiting.

      Reply

  27. Kathy
    July 4, 2018 @ 12:11

    “…to see my stories in print and know that others are willing to pay to read them; there is something creatively satisfying about that.” I know exactly what you mean. The Ninja Writers Club sounds very cool. I’m not doing Camp NaNo this July, but I’ve done it in years past, and it’s a ton of fun. Enjoy! You sound so busy. Good luck with all of it. Thanks for the post and happy writing to you! 🙂

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 21:25

      Busier since June anyways. The NWC is great. Shaunta Grimes just graduated in Nevada with MFA degree too. Thank you.

      Reply

  28. Ronel Janse van Vuuren
    July 4, 2018 @ 11:34

    ” Do something, anything no matter how small or unimportant it may appear or feel. You have done something and it will add up over time.” Love that! Thanks for sharing your goals, Juneta 🙂

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 21:26

      Thank you.

      Reply

  29. Liza
    July 4, 2018 @ 09:44

    It sounds like you are excellent at defining your goals and going after them. Your success does you credit! Thank you for hosting IWSG this month!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 21:36

      Some of those I just did, did not think of them as goals as the time I did them, but they were goals. It was more of a learn thing more then setting goals for me I think. Thank you.

      Reply

  30. jenlanebooks
    July 4, 2018 @ 08:23

    I also started writing through fan fiction–what a fun and supportive place to begin this writing adventure. You have such a specific and thorough list of goals which will help with accountability for sure!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 21:37

      Thank you. Fanfiction is my first love.

      Reply

  31. Michelle Wallace (@mishy1727)
    July 4, 2018 @ 02:37

    Hi Juneta!
    I love this: “Do something, anything no matter how small or unimportant it may appear or feel. You have done something and it will add up over time.”
    You are spot on!
    All the little things add up… it’s a snowball effect and as you gain momentum it grows and grows… and then it will explode! (in a good way, of course)
    You’ve inspired me to get up and move faster! 🙂
    Thank you for co-hosting the IWSG this month.

    Writer In Transit

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 21:53

      Ah, that is sweet. Inspiring is one of my personal goals so that made me feel great. Thank you.

      Reply

  32. Gwen Gardner
    July 3, 2018 @ 22:34

    I’m an avid craft book buyer. Every time I go to the bookstore, I gravitate towards them, even though I don’t really need any more. I’m always trying to improve.

    You sure have done a lot toward studying the craft. You’re going to make it, Juneta. Go you!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 23:01

      Thank you.

      Reply

  33. Shannon Lawrence
    July 3, 2018 @ 22:12

    Looks like you’re making great progress toward your goals! Very comprehensive.

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 23:02

      Thanks. Mostly it just happens and then I set the goals as I learn something. But I am paying attention to what I am learning, so think the goals reflect that.

      Reply

  34. Karen at Reprobate Typewriter
    July 3, 2018 @ 17:44

    I like the micro-goals thing. I need stepping stones.
    You’ll have to tell me how the local cabin works for you, and if you meet any of those people in real life. The last time I went out with a nano-group, the “Address” turned out to be a very snazzy martini bar. I think I was the only person not drinking, and the only person actually writing!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 3, 2018 @ 18:15

      The first year I did NaNo I went to live meetings. We met at Denny’s or a local library sometimes. So yeah I have met some of them, but when transportation became an issue I had to stop going, bummer, cause my group meets all year long with some breaks.

      My group also does live events for writers and she posts them in our FB group. It was a lot of fun. I want to get back to going. They have temporarily suspended meetings as our group leader had some personal stuff interfere BUT will start again soon. I think maybe during this NaNo I will have to check our group again to see.

      Reply

  35. cheriereich
    July 3, 2018 @ 17:42

    You’ve been working hard toward your goals! Good luck with the ones for this year!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 3, 2018 @ 18:16

      Thank you. Crossing my fingers.

      Reply

  36. spunkonastick
    July 3, 2018 @ 17:41

    There’s a Pern RPG? How did I miss that?

    Thank you for highlighting Chrys’ book.

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 3, 2018 @ 18:11

      No — not A Pern RPG but “Pern like”, McCaffrey doesn’t allow fan fiction or role play, so it was similar world with Dragons bonds and different threats and set in a earth alternative world. Your Welcome. Good book.

      Reply

  37. Toi Thomas
    July 3, 2018 @ 16:15

    Thank you so much for co-hosting this month, and wow! You’ve taken goal setting to a whole new level. I’m so excited about all you’ve accomplished and all you have planned ahead.
    I just started my re-read of Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe. I may go back an mention that in my IWSG post.
    Wishing you the best.

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 23:05

      Thank you. I need to start reading I have not done that yet either.

      Reply

  38. Julie Flanders
    July 3, 2018 @ 15:47

    Wow, I feel like I learned so much just from reading your post! Love how you’ve set up different levels of goals and been so persistent in working towards them. I had no idea there were so many different course and communities around – amazing. I admire all you have done towards meeting your goals and hope you will be able to check off more of your list soon.

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 23:07

      Actually I was not that methodical in goal setting it just sort of happened as I learned. This year I have more focus on setting goals before they happen but I feel into some of those too. Good thing they are on the right path, lol.

      Reply

  39. M.L. Keller
    July 3, 2018 @ 15:46

    Wow, Thanks for sharing. I’m on the Ninja Writer’s Facebook page, but I haven’t taken any of her classes yet. I know Shauna is a huge fan on Medium and I have been meaning to get started there, but I just haven’t taken the plunge. Maybe, I’ll take another look.

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 23:09

      I am so glad I did decide to try the class. It has helped me move forward more. Thank you for visiting.

      Reply

  40. J.Q. Rose
    July 3, 2018 @ 14:42

    Wow–what a lot of helpful info here in your rundown of writing goals. I need to look into these. I love reading writing craft books too. (sometimes I think I procrastinate on writing the story because I read how to instead of doing the writing!! LOL). Love your energy and enthusiasm for writing. I think it rubbed off on me! Thanks.
    JQ Rose

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 23:14

      Yeah I can use it as a procrastination tool too. Glad to help.

      Reply

  41. Angela Wooldridge
    July 3, 2018 @ 13:58

    Great post! Looking at your list and having known you all this time, you make me think of a snowball that’s been gradually rolling and growing all this time. At some point soon, that snowball is going to crest the top of the hill and start rolling down, then… watch out world – here comes Juneta!!!!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 7, 2018 @ 14:34

      LOL, I like that analogy.

      Reply

  42. emaginette
    July 3, 2018 @ 13:28

    You’re amazing. Work so hard. Pleasure to see you in action. 🙂

    Anna from elements of emaginette

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 23:18

      lol, I need to apply myself better.

      Reply

  43. Tyrean Martinson
    July 3, 2018 @ 13:24

    I love how your goals are both big and micro-specific! Way to go!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 23:18

      Thank you.

      Reply

  44. Madeline Mora-Summonte
    July 3, 2018 @ 13:19

    Yeh for writing classes and courses and craft books, and of course, for writing communities! And I love the Hemingway quote. 🙂

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 23:28

      Thank you.

      Reply

  45. Jacqui Murray
    July 3, 2018 @ 12:54

    That was fun–reading your path to writership. I considered a write-along program at one point. I love the idea of working in a group but the one I looked at was too expensive. Sigh. I like the idea of Zoom meetings. That’s a very professional platform.

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 23:32

      Shaunta has done a great job creating the Ninja Writer Community and the write along is going great. No regrets for me.

      Reply

  46. Joey
    July 3, 2018 @ 12:30

    My goodness! Your list of goals is so impressive. You should be very proud of how many items you’ve checked off that list!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 23:34

      I am. Writing that post and creating the list made me feel a bit better about myself. Thanks for visiting.

      Reply

  47. admin2
    July 3, 2018 @ 12:24

    Comment by Lynn (had problems posting but sweet enough to send me contact via my contact, so posting for her.)

    Hi Juneta,
    Wow, you have a lot going on! I read with interest your description of the Ninja Writer’s Club. Thank you for be a co-host for the July IWSG. I tried to find the comment link, but was unsuccessful. I decided sending you an email might let you know I stopped by for a visit. P.S. I love your Storytime Blog Hop cartoon.
    Here’s my blog: http://la-vita.us/Write/

    Reply

  48. Ultimate Writing Goal - CV GREHAN
    July 3, 2018 @ 12:03

    […] Elson,  Juneta Key,  Tamara Narayan, and Patricia […]

    Reply

  49. Megan Morgan
    July 3, 2018 @ 11:01

    Wow, you’ve done so much and have a lot of great goals, and you’re so organized about it, I’m IMPRESSED! Great job, and here’s wishing you luck in your future endeavors!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 23:39

      LOL, girl you know you do good. I want to be like you. Thank you.

      Reply

  50. raimeygallant
    July 3, 2018 @ 10:49

    “There is a sort of validation in knowing that what I love is valuable, not only to me, but others.” This is such a great quote, Juneta! You’ve had so many successes, it’s inspiring for me. 🙂

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 23:40

      Thank you. You inspire me and you give great writing advice and tips too.

      Reply

  51. Loni Townsend
    July 3, 2018 @ 10:35

    Microgoals makes me think of my co-worker’s dad’s ToDo lists. The first thing on every To Do list is: Make a list. That way he can check it off!

    Hope you succeed with all your goals!

    Reply

    • Juneta
      July 5, 2018 @ 15:17

      LOL, too funny, but makes sense. Thank you wishing you the same. .

      Reply

  52. patgarcia
    July 3, 2018 @ 10:33

    I really love how you’ve set up your website. I kind of followed you along as you were changing it. Nice to hear that you found a fit as to moving further in your writing too. Wishing you all the best and thanks for co-hosting.

    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 23:44

      Thank you. I have had a lot of complements on my website from people telling me they thought it fun so that makes my day to hear you like it too. I waffle on it sometimes then someone says something and I feel reassured.

      Reply

  53. Liesbet @ Roaming About
    July 3, 2018 @ 10:23

    I’ve never done any writing course, for financial and lifestyle reasons, but it is obvious that you’ve learned a lot from them and have grown incredibly as a writer. You have achieved heaps these last eight years – hurrah for goals, and keeping them! Almost everything we do daily, as writers, can somehow be tied to our craft and making progress, a little bit at a time: writing a blog, reading whatever, going for a walk and thinking about a story idea, talking about a WIP with others…

    I’ll have to check out Medium. Thanks for co-hosting!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 4, 2018 @ 23:47

      I have had to pick and chose for similar reason but investing in my writing I am hoping to improve my future. I enjoy it too. Thank you. What you said, so true.

      Reply

  54. Carrie-Anne
    July 3, 2018 @ 10:15

    Good luck with all those goals! You’ve certainly developed a lot over the years.

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 5, 2018 @ 00:09

      Thank you.

      Reply

  55. Nita
    July 3, 2018 @ 10:10

    I agree whole heartedly when you say that keep doing something towards your goals, all the time. Even if it is a tiny drop. It does add up. Thanks for sharing your tips.

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 5, 2018 @ 00:18

      Thank you.

      Reply

  56. Erika Beebe
    July 3, 2018 @ 09:34

    I Love Holly Lisle. I started reading her fantasy books in middle school. I’m glad to know her writing classes help. I have wondered about taking one. I love Hemmingway’s quote too 🙂 Thank you for cohosting today and happy IWSG day!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 5, 2018 @ 00:39

      Her writing courses are freaking awesome. I own all them and the big ones. Best investment in my writing I ever made. She has a free flash fiction course you can find it on my sidebar on in the footer. Best investment in my writing I ever made. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

  57. Crystal Collier
    July 3, 2018 @ 08:34

    I look at that list of accomplishments and goals, and the only word that comes to mind is “awesome.” I love how the goal system works in this industry, and how incredibly knowledgeable and accomplished we can become over time with effort. Here’s to the journey!

    Reply

    • Juneta
      July 5, 2018 @ 15:20

      Exactly. Here’s to the journey.

      Reply

  58. Lee
    July 3, 2018 @ 08:25

    You’ve had an amazing journey! I agree about the importance of studying the craft. I’ve taken a lot of courses, including Holly’s, and have learned so much. NWA looks interesting – something to check into once I’ve finished my current course project. Thanks for co-hosting today!

    Reply

    • Juneta
      July 5, 2018 @ 15:21

      Ninja Writer’s has been as rewarding as I find Holly Lisle’s forum and classes which kind of like home to me. So I definitely can recommend it.

      Reply

  59. Ellen Jacobson
    July 3, 2018 @ 07:29

    This was fascinating to see all the study, work, and development you’ve done as part of your writing journey. Lots of great ideas that I’ll want to check out in developing my own writing skills. Thanks so much for co-hosting this month.

    Reply

    • Juneta
      July 6, 2018 @ 12:28

      Thank you for visiting.

      Reply

  60. nancygideon
    July 3, 2018 @ 06:40

    LOVE your list (this from a confirmed OCDer!) and admire your goals, Juneta! Follow them where they lead. Keep on keeping on and thanks for hosting this month!

    Reply

    • Juneta
      July 6, 2018 @ 12:29

      Thank you. Thank you for visiting.

      Reply

  61. Natalie Aguirre
    July 3, 2018 @ 06:32

    You are certainly committed to your writing and doing everything you can to improve your craft. It’s awesome to see how much you have done to improve throughout the years. And small goals leading to bigger ones are good.

    Reply

    • Juneta
      July 7, 2018 @ 13:45

      Thank you . Happy IWSG!

      Reply

  62. Alex J. Cavanaugh (@AlexJCavanaugh)
    July 2, 2018 @ 20:26

    Ninja Write Along – I like that!
    Just knowing someone enjoyed your book is often enough.
    Thanks for co-hosting!

    Reply

    • admin2
      July 7, 2018 @ 13:48

      Yes it is.

      Reply

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