IWSG: Resolutions and Deadlines

I decided for the new year that I would commit myself to writing every single day. Whether it was one sentence or hours on end of non-stop writing did not matter to me, it was simply that I would take the time each day to write something down and use my brain to put words together. The thing is, by the end of 2013, I was finding it way too easy to do other things and continually put my writing at the bottom of my to-do list. Of course it was always with good reason - a pregnancy, a serious threat that I may lose my house and family obligations all come to mind - but that's why the new year's resolution seemed so important. Regardless of the severity of the reality of my now, I must make the time to at least jot down one little thought of the day (if not more!).

Part of the motivation in this endeavor is the project that my writing group is undertaking. A number of us in the group are writing short stories to bring together in an anthology that we are hoping to publish when we are done. It is intimidating, but it is also needed. We have set deadlines for pitching our story ideas and synopses, as well as getting a first draft of some sort for the group to read. It is because of this project and my tendency to only write the night before something is due that finally sparked the idea for my writing resolution. I now have a good idea of what I want my story to be about and the point of view I would like to write it in. This is all because of my tiny dedication to my writing each day. Tomorrow I have a doctor's appointment after which I will be on an incredibly long bus ride home - I'm bringing my notebook with me! I hope to get a big chunk of my story done, but if I happen to write about something else entirely, that will be fine as well. Bus writing is one of my favorite things!

I'd like to personally thank Alex J Cavanaugh for hosting the Insecure Writer's Support Group each month, which has dragged me out of my blog silence back into the realm of the posting bloggers this week. Hopefully this will inspire me to come back very soon (in between my major nesting nonsense happening in this house!).

Did you make any writing resolutions this year?

How about reading resolutions or challenges?