2009 Resolution: Write a Short Story Each Week

Each January 1 I make a resolution but I don't have a plan to follow in order to achieve that resolution. I vow that this year will by different.

There are several ideas floating around my head and even more written down and lying around my home. However these ideas are not explored in their entirety. I've decided to put a plan in place committing myself to finishing these stories.

I thought of outlining the story and writing a certain amount of the story each day. Although with this plan, one story could take longer than one week. Besides, it sounded like it was too strict of a way for me to write.

The way I prefer to write is to give direction to an idea by asking myself questions then answering them in writing. So I draft part of the story, then move the story forward by answering more questions. This is what I do until I reach the end of the story.

The steps listed are what I plan on following in order to fulfill my resolution.

Step One: Get an idea and working title.
Step Two: Write the first draft.
Step Three: Edit.
Step Four: Re-read and make final corrections.
Step Five: Post the story to Associated Content.

Sunday my plan is to come up with an idea and a working title. Give that some ideas come easily, there my be some stories that get started on Sundays.

Monday and Tuesday are days designated for writing the draft. If research is needed to be done, it will be done on these days.

Wednesdays will be the day editing is focused on. Grammar is my weak point, so I need to spend more time on this aspect of my writing. Dialogue, description, details of the story, character depth, and plot fluidity are all things I will need to look at.

Thursday is the day to re-read the story for any further corrections.

I plan on positing the story to Associated Content on Friday.

Having a plan to follow makes writing less overwhelming, more organized and hopefully easier to accomplish. Even with a plan, I accept that I may not be successful each week. However, the plan gives me structure to achieve my goal of writing a short story each week.

Giving myself a plan to complete is really exciting. Committing to this plan is even more exciting. Knowing success of this plan can only move me closer towards being a published author.

The plan I have laid out for myself could be too difficult to follow or it may be too easy to follow; I won't know until I try following it.