Goals for the Year

Already into week three, which makes me mindful of how quickly AWY may pass, which has me thinking about what I want to accomplish.

"Goals" has a kind of corporate aftertaste to it and suggests a focus on product that many would argue is or should be antithetical to the writing of poetry. I think that's probably true, or mostly true. However, I'm also aware that defined goals keep me writing when I otherwise might do something easier and more immediately entertaining. I'm doing AWY because I want to write, so I need to make sure I don't waste the time I have.

So, my goals for the year:

1) Prepare a manuscript of poems
That means I need:

• 50-60 good poems, which should require...
• 65-75 drafts, if not more, which means...
• 6-7 poems drafted per month, which comes down to...
• About 2 poems per week.

2) Get a few poems published along the way
Specifically, I'm aiming for:

• 6 poems published over the course of the year (at least), of which...
• At least 2 are published in national or otherwise prominent journals and...
• At least 2 are published in local (Chicago-area) journals; so that means...
• 1 submission per month (yikes).

3) Read a lot
Focusing on great poets, first books by poets I like, biographies of poets, and essays on poetry and poetics.

• 2-3 books per week

4) Tap into the Chicago literary network
I haven't done a great job of this in the past, so I'll make more of an effort by:

• Attending at least 1 reading or event per month
• Submitting poems to local journals (see above)
• Reading the work of at least 3 Chicago poets

5) Explore publishing options
By which I mean:

• Identify competitions and deadlines for young writers / first books
• Discuss options and strategies with friends in the publishing world
• Reach out to friends who may be able to help

6) Document the process

• Through this blog, by making at least 1 post per week, and...
• By writing an essay or article about the experience