"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 3^rd

World of Ink Network – Spotlight

http://worldofinknetwork.blogspot.com

June 4^th

BTR’s World of Ink Network: Stories for Children Show

Live Radio Interview at 2pm EST at

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2012/06/04/the-stories-for-children-show

Putting Words Down on Paper - Spotlight

http://susannedrazic.blogspot.com/

June 5^th

The Writing Mama – Spotlight

http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com

June 6^th

Families Matter - Interview

http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com

June 7^th

Writing to the Hearts of Children - Spotlight

http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com

June 8^th

The Writing Mama – Interview

http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com

Home School Blogger - Book Review

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolbookreview/

June 9^th

Stories a la Mode – Book Review & Giveaway

http://barbarabockman.wordpress.com

June 10^th

Utah Children's Writer Blog – Guest Post

http://utahchildrenswriters.blogspot.com/

June 11^th

Strands of Thought – Interview

http://kaistrand.blogspot.com/

4 the LOVE of BOOKS – Book Review & Giveaway

http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/

June 12^th

Fran Lewis Book Reviewer

http://gabina49.wordpress.com/

The Patient Dreamer - Interview

http://thepatientdreamer.com/

June 13^th

American Chronicle - Spotlight

http://www.americanchronicle.com/

June 14^th

Writing to the Hearts of Children – Guest Post

http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com

June 15^th

Families Matter - Book Review

http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com

June 16^th

1st Time Mums – Spotlight

 http://1sttimemums.blogspot.com/

Rambling of a Coffee Addicted Writer – Guest Post

www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com

June 18^th

The Maggie Project – Guest Post

www.themaggieproject.blogspot.com

June 19^th

MayraSecretBookcase – Guest Post

http://MayrasSecretBookcase.blogspot.com

June 20^th

Inspiring Books & Products - Interview

http://rothsinspiringbooksandproducts.wordpress.com

June 21^st

Writing to the Hearts of Children - Interview

http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com

June 22^nd

Mommy Has to Work – Book Review & Giveaway

http://www.mommyhastowork.com

June 23^rd

BlogCritics: Author Spotlight

http://blogcritics.org/culture/feature/mom-prefers/

June 24^th

Tidbits From A Mom – Book Review & Giveaway

http://tidbitsfromamom.blogspot.com

June 25^th

Fran Lewis Book Reviewer – Interview

http://gabina49.wordpress.com/

Stories for Children Magazine FG Interview

http://sfcmagazine.com 

June 26^th

Mymcbooks Blog – Spotlight & Giveway

http://mymcbooks.wordpress.com

June 27^th

The Crypto-Capers Book Review

http://thecryptocapersseries.blogspot.com

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

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors

June 28^th

Fran Lewis Book Reviewer – Guest Post

http://gabina49.wordpress.com/

June 29^th

BlogCritics Book Review

http://blogcritics.org/books/