"Writing Days," by Viji K. Chary


Writing allows me to be creative and imaginative. As a writer, I have learned to balance this creativity with organization to meet my goals.

I have read many books on organization for writers and general audiences. Some of the books are by Kathryn Lay, David Fryxell and Kristi Holl. From them, I have gleaned ideas that work well for my personality. I have found that these ideas allow me to make the most of my writing time.

At the beginning of each year, I write a goals list. For 2012, some of the goals I have are to:
  • ·         Write two picture books from picture book ideas file.
    ·         Begin writing one early chapter book.
    ·         Watch the Alderson Plot videos.
    ·         Start or revise an article or story every two weeks.
    ·         Submit a manuscript/proposal every month.
    ·         Submit manuscripts for at least two contests. 
    ·         Look up top children’s books and check them out from the library.
    ·         Apply to educational publishers.
    ·         Submit books to publishers. 


My goals list is pinned up where I can see it regularly. Usually the first thing I cross off the list is submitting to contests. Contests are an opportunity to write fresh new pieces and are recommended by most writing courses.

I break down my annual goals to monthly goals. Monthly goals may include meeting contest deadlines, polishing or starting a story, sending a submission to a magazine, reading a stacking of books or magazines, or completing marketing tasks. These monthly goals are further broken down to manageable weekly goals which make the annual goals attainable.

Many of the writing tasks can be done away from my computer. Outlining a story, fleshing out characters, or deciding a slant for an article – these are all done while I do dishes, take a shower, drive, wait for the children after school, or do other mundane tasks.

Writers have the freedom to create.  Setting goals helps me with my creativity. Fulfilling goals gives me my writing thrill.

 Viji K. Chary was born in India and immigrated to the United States at the age of two. Her passion for writing stories began in elementary school and has evolved from coaching children in various activities including gymnastics, classroom activities and creative competitions. Her stories have been published in Highlights for Children, Ladybug Magazines, Hopscotch for Girls and many more.

About the book: Porcupine longs to grow beautiful sunflowers in his garden, just like Raccoon. When Raccoon gives Porcupine seeds, she says that all they need is soil, sun, and water. But growing sunflowers is not easy for Porcupine.


~World of Ink Tour Schedule for Viji Chary~
June 3rd
World of Ink Network – Spotlight

June 4th
BTR’s World of Ink Network: Stories for Children Show
Live Radio Interview at 2pm EST at

Putting Words Down on Paper - Spotlight

June 5th
The Writing Mama – Spotlight

June 6th
Families Matter - Interview

June 7th
Writing to the Hearts of Children - Spotlight

June 8th
The Writing Mama – Interview

Home School Blogger - Book Review

June 9th
Stories a la Mode – Book Review & Giveaway

June 10th
Utah Children's Writer Blog – Guest Post

June 11th
Strands of Thought – Interview

4 the LOVE of BOOKS – Book Review & Giveaway

June 12th
Fran Lewis Book Reviewer

The Patient Dreamer - Interview

June 13th
American Chronicle - Spotlight

June 14th
Writing to the Hearts of Children – Guest Post

June 15th
Families Matter - Book Review

June 16th
1st Time Mums – Spotlight

Rambling of a Coffee Addicted Writer – Guest Post

June 18th
The Maggie Project – Guest Post

June 19th
MayraSecretBookcase – Guest Post

June 20th
Inspiring Books & Products - Interview

June 21st
Writing to the Hearts of Children - Interview

June 22nd
Mommy Has to Work – Book Review & Giveaway

June 23rd
BlogCritics: Author Spotlight

June 24th
Tidbits From A Mom – Book Review & Giveaway

June 25th
Fran Lewis Book Reviewer – Interview

Stories for Children Magazine FG Interview

June 26th
Mymcbooks Blog – Spotlight & Giveway

June 27th
The Crypto-Capers Book Review

Blog Talk Radio: Stories for Unknown Authors Show at 8pm EST

June 28th
Fran Lewis Book Reviewer – Guest Post

June 29th
BlogCritics Book Review


Comments

Mayra Calvani said…
Thanks for thgreat guest post, Viji! Best of luck with your virtual blog tour! I see you have a lot of stops with WOI this month. You must be quite busy! :-)
T. Forehand said…
Very interesting to learn more about you, and other aspects of how you set goals. Good tips.
Sharon Stanley said…
Excellent tips! Thanks for writing and sharing. Sunflowers are my fave so this one looks especially cute!
Unknown said…
Thank you, everyone. And thanks Mayra for having me on your blog.
DMS said…
I love the idea of posting my goals where I can see them! Porcupine Seeds sounds like a delightful boook. Thanks for sharing and introducing me to this author.

~Jess