2026 Goals

New Year, new start.  As I said last week, I did not do so well last year, so most of these are the same as last year.  Let’s get started:

Get publishes:  These are the steps that have been a challenge for me.  1) Save up for an editor.  2) Get an editor.  3) Make changes based on editor’s notes.  4) Acquire a literary agent.

Write second steampunk novel:  I figure my second screenplay will break down into 19 chapters.  I have already written the first five.  If I write a chapter every three weeks, I should finish and have time for rewrites by the end of the year.  Here’s how it would break down:
     End of first quarter:  finish chapters 6, 7, 8 and 9.
     End of second quarter:  finish chapters 10, 11, 12 and 13.
     End of third quarter:  finish chapters 14, 15, 16 and 17.
     End of Fourth quarter:  finish chapters 18 and 19 and do final rewrites.

Outline third steampunk screenplay:  I’ve never been one for an outline.  I’m a string-of-pearls writer, which technically is a form of an outline.  But maybe writing out an outline would help me write the screenplay faster, much like the screenplay helps me write out the novel faster.  It’s a method I want to try.  If I can end the year with an outline for the third screenplay, that would be a win.

Read a book a month:  I’ve already read one book.  Okay, I started it last year, but it still counts.
     #1  01/09/26  Finished reading, “The Star Group” by Christoper Pike.  No, not the Starfleet Captain.

Read my Bible:  Every year my church has a through-the-bible program, but I always fall behind and the give up.  I’m a couple days behind right now, but I can make that up.

Try four new cookie recipes:  Last year my goal was to try six new recipes, but I really only make cookies around Christmas.  I did try two new ones, one was a winner and one was a loser.  This year I’ll try for four.

Get down to 194 pounds:  Last year, I actually gained 4.4 pounds.  I started this year at 206 pounds.  I’m going to try to lose a pound a month and get down to 194 pounds.

Make six blood donations:  Last year I only reached five donations due to my anemia, but I’m over that now.
     
Have business cards made:  Wanted to do this last year, but didn’t.  It would be nice to have them for in-person conferences, but I probably won’t really need them until I get published.  There are a few steps to this:  1) Take a new head shot.  2) Get a QR code for my website.  3) Design the card. 

Just a bunch of little things to do:  There are always a bunch of little things you want to do, but don’t find the time for because they are not big things.  Last year I completed two out of seven.  If I get to half of them, I’ll call it a win.  1) Reorganize bookshelf on my left – again.  2) Reorganize bookshelf on my right.  3) Reorganize the three bookshelves in the living room.  4) Reorganize the four drawers in my desk.   5) Buy a new suit. I will need it when my book is published.  Try four new restaurants.  I’m thinking like, Irv’s Burgers, Hot Pot and Texas Road House.

Dennis

304th blog completed.

Second Steampunk novel: 17,747 words.  Chapter Five done.

Second Steampunk screenplay:  157 pages.

First Steampunk screenplay:  Updated with notes from the novelization.

First Steampunk novel:  77,546 words.  Completed until an editor reviews it.

Third Steampunk screenplay:  38 pages.

Sheet pan pancakes at the January Men’s breakfast and Calvary Bible Church in Burbank.  Never would have thought of this, but it worked out great.