I'm a big believer of making goals and writing them down. There's something about actually seeing your goal on paper that inspires you to actually get it done. Plus, the itch to cross it off as completed helps propel you toward the finish line. So I decided to post my goals for 2010 on my blog. I figure the more places I write them, the more likely I will be to complete them. I've also printed out the list and taped it on my wall so I can see it every day. Anyway, here are my goals for the year:

1. Finish the first draft of my first novel (also known as my NaNo novel). This is very close to completion. It's a mess, but it's an almost finished mess, and that's all that matters to me at this point in my journey to become a published author. ETA: I'm done! Cool. Now to revise.

2. Start and finish the first draft of my second novel. I'm very excited about this one. The premise is still incubating in my brain, but I'm kind of already in love with my characters. I think this will be better than my first novel. ETA: I've started it and so far I'm at 20K words. It feels good. I'm definitely enjoying the process.

3. Find a critique partner. This is very important. I need to have my work read by others if I ever hope to be a published author. And, trust me, this is a real goal that I hope to accomplish by the time I'm 30 -- the goal of being a published author, that is. I'm also very excited to read another person's work. ETA: Found two and maybe even three! Haven't sent them anything yet, but have been reading their stuff and so far it's been a good experience.

4. Revise my first novel. This will be a daunting but very important task. I've already got a few revision ideas in mind and I better write them down before I forget them.

5. Get a job at a library or bookstore. I write freelance articles at the moment, but I don't make nearly enough money doing that. So I need something full time.

6. Save money! Self-explanatory.

7. Pay off remaining credit cards. Last year I paid off 5 credit cards, and I'm so proud of myself. This year I have about 4 to go. I think I can do it. And then I will be debt-free. I intend on being debt-free forever. 

8. Intern at Los Angeles Magazine. This is a maybe. I've done so many internships already. The problem is that there's currently a hiring freeze in the publishing world and that's why it's been so difficult to find a job. I'm hoping 2010 will be a bit better in terms of job availability.

9. Read 100 books. Last year I read 70. I know I can do better. Plus, reading will help me become a better writer. Oh, and I kind of, like, LOVE reading.

10. Apply to as many available writing jobs as possible. Fingers crossed that I'll land something.