Author L.J. Sellers

Last month we talked about setting goals. This month we feature an interview with author L.J. Sellers on this topic and how setting goals has helped her write her Detective Jackson novels and other writing while still managing a full-time job, parenting, and enjoying the many activities she frequently participates in.

Following the interview, the promised Excel file that can be used to track your progress is provided along with information on how to use the file. Next month we'll be featuring an interview with author Tasha Alexander on how she researches for her historical novels and applies that research.

When you first started to write novels, did you set writing goals?

L.J.: My first goal was simply to write/finish a novel just to see if I could do it. I discovered that writing fiction was so much fun I used every opportunity I had to work on the story. So very little self-discipline was required. My next goal was to “write something publishable.” At that early stage, I was still learning the craft. I also worked full-time and had three kids at home (playing Nintendo in the same room where I wrote), so the best I could do was pick a reasonable point in the future and set a date by which I hoped to finish a particular novel. I’m naturally self-disciplined and goal oriented, so that worked for me, then.

Have you done both kinds of goal setting (individual project vs. writing at whole)? What worked best for you and why?

L.J.: Once the first book in my series (THE SEX CLUB) was published and readers expected more Detective Jackson stories, I set a goal of writing three books in two years (while working full time). To achieve that, I started writing first thing every morning, from 5:30 to 8 a.m., as a daily habit. My goal is write 1,500 words in that time, and I track my word count in an Excel document for motivation. Admittedly, I don’t always make the 1,500, but having the goal gets me a lot closer than I otherwise would. My novel writing isn’t limited to those hours, that’s just the mandatory minimum.

I also participated in National Novel Writing Month (NaNo) this year, with a goal of writing 35,000 words (to finish a novel) in the month of November. That was exciting and challenging, and I finished the novel and clocked more than 37,000 words. Okay, I admit, I’ve become a goal freak. I set goals for everything, not just writing. Daily goals, yearly goals, decade and lifetime goals. I’m a list fanatic too, and the lists and goals go together.

The Chico Writers Group would like to extend our appreciation to L.J. Sellers for the interview. To learn more about L.J., visit our resources page. And get the latest on her most recently published book, Secrets to Die For, including an exerpt and much more at her website, www.ljsellers.com

Magic Spreadsheet by Shannon K. Butcher

Download Here

The information how to use this file is mostly trial and error, having a good understanding of MS Spreadsheets is ideal. This file can be used with various free spreadsheet software, such as OpenAccess. A bit of information is provided here (scroll down for the screenshots).

Enjoy!