On New Year’s Resolutions
Every year, millions of people set resolutions as they try to mold themselves into the person they’ve always wanted to be. We’ve all heard it declared through TikTok videos and Instagram stories. New year. New me. I know there’s a lot of cynicism around New Year’s resolutions, but honestly, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to push yourself toward growth through a little intentional goal-setting. I do it every year.
Last year, my goal was to finish all of the books on my TBR, and believe me when I tell you this – I will never set that goal again. I am way too old to be giving myself reading assignments. For this year, I want my goal to be more meaningful. I want something that will help me level up as a writer.
I know I’ve already come a long way with my writing. I’ve built a modest following online. I’ve written several books, the first of which I’ve shared with friends, family, and other writers. I’ve made a bunch of writer friends, all of whom are amazing and like-minded. I’ve queried, set up a website, and launched three social media platforms. There’s definitely been movement, so I'm left to ask myself: where do I go from here?
Sure, I want to get traditionally published, but I can’t directly influence that goal. I can indirectly influence it by polishing my manuscript and increasing the number of queries I put out, but I can’t force an agent to pick me up. Believe me, if I had that kind of power, I would have used it by now.
At the end of the day, I have to ask myself, do I want to be a traditionally published author, or do I want to be a successful one? I suppose I’ve been assuming that those two things go hand in hand, but maybe that’s not the case. Maybe I can pave my own way to success. And just to clarify, yes, I define success pretty commercially – I want people to read my book, and I want them to love it. In truth, this has always been my goal – New Year’s resolution or not.
I think I’ve made the decision that no matter what happens, by this time next year, I will be a published author, or at least taking very serious steps toward becoming one. There’s definitely no shame in independent publishing, but I’ve been afraid of it because it felt like some type of concession — ‘I couldn’t make it traditionally – guess I’ll go indie’. But maybe that’s not fair. Maybe it’s time I reframe the narrative.
After all, readers are making room room for indie books on their bookshelves these days, and I’m hoping, with the right amount of effort, I too will be able to earn my place among their stacks.