Hello!

This year, I made it my goal to write 1 short story a month and to submit 100 times to markets by the end of the year. Given that in 2022, I wrote about 5 stories total and submitted 42 times, this felt like a stretch goal.

Not only did I hit my goals, I flew past them! I ended up submitting 460 times and writing an average of 2.75 stories a month. I received 350 rejections and 11 acceptances this year.

I started this year by receiving a sticker for every submission, so I could celebrate the small victories. Then, I gave myself the goal of seeing a musical if I hit 100 submissions.

And, well, I got to see both Six and Hadestown this year, both of which were fantastic.

Unfortunately, while I made huge steps forward in my short story career, my noveling still has some room to improve. Therefore, I present my goals for 2024:

• Meet or beat 460 submissions this year (Reward: I get to see another musical!)
  • Write at least one short story a month
  • Keep up my submissions on Submission Grinder
  • Note submission dates as I submit
  • Follow markets I’m interested in
• Get all three of my novels to the next stage (Reward: Maybe a big trip? I’m not sure–this one is still in the works)
  • Mermaid story: Last round of edits and start querying
  • Tree story: Second round of edits and send to beta readers
  • Superhero story: First round of edits and send to alpha readers

Here’s to another great year!

-Camden

(Also, see the chart I made of all my submissions this year! I’m excited to compare it to next year’s goals.)