I Will Be a Full-pledge Author on 2009

I've always wanted to publish my own book. I have been looking forward to see my book's title in many online bookshops as well as being displayed on my local bookstores. I know it's too much to ask for an international exposure but wouldn't it be great to have that as well?

I have been working on my novel for two long years now. My research was finished, my ideas are intact; the flow is already visible in my mind. But thinking about it is so different from writing it. I felt I have been lazy for two years, letting the days go by, not converting my thoughts into words. The year is closing and I'm still rewriting the book's first chapter. I have been an irresponsible would-be-author in two long years.

Thus, in 2009, I vow to become more responsible about my dreams and goals. I am determined to become a full pledge author this year and this is how I will achieve it:

First, I have to be very inspired and motivated; this is very important so I will have the drive and the vigor to really achieve success even on times when it seems impossible to do so. I have many inspirations around me. There's my new-born baby for whom I will dedicate my book and my success. My son motivates me to work on this project and be successful on it next year. I need a career and an additional source of income to support my baby's needs. Then there are my parents - my Mama and Papa - who will be very proud of me once my book is published. They inspire me to do my best; to tell the world that they were able to bear a responsible and talented daughter in me. And of course there are people - my friends and my relatives - who will stimulate me to be successful in this goal.

Second, I will develop a one year plan in achieving my goal. This plan will serve as my guideline and timeline, as well as my way of tracking my progress. I will have to define feasible and achievable outputs in a monthly, weekly and daily basis. I will also develop contingency plans in case of emergencies and unplanned activities that might ruin my one-year plan.

Third, I will take note of all the resources that I need before I continue writing again. Am I going to self-publish? Or is it better to get tied up with a publisher? Who will review my manuscripts? Who will proof-read my work? Will I have enough budget to publish my book? Where will I get my financial support? I have to come up with an effective and cost-efficient budget strategy before plunging into the project.

Fourth, I will have to build a strong commitment to this goal. I know, people around the world are in their wits right now, trying to think up of their own New Year's resolution and some ways to keep it. Like them, I can always say, "I want to do this and that" but without committing myself fully into this goal, I know I'm not going to achieve even half of my pledge. I know for a fact that commitment ignites action, it's like pledging myself into a purposeful battle and may mean practicing my faith completely and consistently. Therefore, I need to have an "I can do this" attitude in order to achieve my goal.

Fifth, (the most important way of achieving this New Year's Resolution) I will endorse my plan to the Almighty God in heaven. I believe, He and He alone know the future of this endeavor. He is the one who'll help me through every obstruction, the one who'll give me everything I need to fulfill my self-made vow. I entrust everything to God, and I will give back all the glory and success to Him.

I know it won't be easy and that I am aiming for the moon, but I am hopeful I will make it. 2009 will be the year for my flourishing writing career. May God help me through this plan.