Hello!

I don’t like to make resolutions. I like to make goals. I like quantifiable, semi-achievable goals that I can hit with practice and persistence and a bit of luck. And, if you remember my post from last year around this time, you’ll know that my goals in 2024 were to write 2 stories a month, submit 460 times this year, and get my three novels to the next stage in the process.

And, well, I achieved all my goals! Or, well, most of them. And I have some exciting goals for next year as well.

2024 Recap

Three Novels: I got two of my novels to the next stage (mermaid novel to querying and superhero novel to alphas)! However, around September, work got too hectic for me to keep up and I ended up dropping the third novel in favor of my sanity. I do have a tendency to give myself too many things to do, so I’m trying to show myself grace. Plus, I never actually found a reward for hitting these goals which made it easier to put it on the backburner.

2 Stories a Month: As for my 2 stories a month, I hit this goal, technically. I wrote an average of 2 stories a month; however, some months I wrote more or less than the target. Some of these stories were drabbles or flash pieces, but most were actual short stories. (Fun fact: This year is the first year that I’ve sold (25) more stories than I’ve written (24).) Now, I still have to get a handle on editing, as about 10 of these short stories aren’t yet ready for markets, but I’m getting there.

460 Submissions: I hit my submission goal of 460 submissions! Turns out seeing musicals is very motivating for me still (Hamilton is the show for this year!). I submitted 469 times in 2024! And, because I love data, here’s a breakdown of my submissions:

As you can see, some days I submitted almost 20 times. Those were some story-packed days for sure.

For all these goals, I kept track of everything with various tabs in my fancy Excel spreadsheet that turned green when I was on track. Since I can’t share the novel tabs (too many spoilers!) enjoy a screenshot of the short story tab to track which stories I wrote (removed because spoilers as well) and when I submitted.

Overall, 2024 was a fun and intense year. I’ve been going back to school full-time while working full-time, which has made it hard to make writing a priority. However, my spouse is amazing and I could not have continued to pursue my passions without their support. Without them, I wouldn’t have achieved so many of these goals (and I probably would have forgotten to eat more than a few times).

What About 2025?

For next year, my goals are much of the same, but I’ve determined that because musicals are so motivating, I’ll be able to see a show for every goal I reach. Hopefully, I don’t make us broke by being over-ambitious.

• Complete 460 short story submissions and write 24 short stories (roughly 2 a month)
• Query mermaid book 10 times
• Edit superhero book and send to beta readers
• Edit tree book and send to beta readers
• And… if I have time… edit superhero book again and start querying

And, you know me, I already have the Excel spreadsheet ready to go.

I hope you and yours have had a lovely 2025 so far. Thank you for taking the time to check in on my little corner of the world.

~ Camden