Sunday, December 27, 2009

Goals for 2010

Over the last few weeks, I've come across numerous "New Year's Resolutions" suggestions or some variation thereof. My conclusion? I'd rather have a list of goals to achieve in the coming year than change something about myself. Being a writer, most of my goals focus on developing my writing career. So, here goes the list!

Goal #1: Average 1,000 words per day in new writing.
Goal #2: Finish and polish all of my romance manuscripts in progress.
Goal #3: Complete my uterine fibroid project.
Goal #4: Attend the RWA National Conference.
Goal #5: Make a website to promote my writing.
Goal #6: Acquire an agent.
Goal #7: Sell at least one manuscript.
Goal #8: Get back to doing Pilates at least three times a week.

I think they're doable--an important point in goal setting. I'm looking forward to accomplishing them.

Until next time,

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...with a Kick

Friday, December 18, 2009

Making Progress

What a busy week! Between Christmas shopping and making cookies, writing has taken a backseat a few days this week. But--I have my non-fiction proposal close enough to finished that I emailed query letters to three agents today. I haven't decided whether to be excited and hopeful or just plain nervous.

I've had a positive response from several writer friends about the project and truly see a need for a book like this. Very few women I've talked to about uterine fibroids have heard of them, or if they have or have had uterine fibroids, don't really fit the profile of those who are at risk. In light of recent medical recommendations regarding the frequency of mammograms and Pap tests, the likelihood of women forgoing an annual pelvic exam is high. Who wants to have one when segments of the medical community are implying they aren't necessary? Those annual exams are how most uterine fibroids are discovered. Can you tell this is a hot issue with me?! Maybe an editor out there will let me have my say!

Wish me luck!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...with a Kick

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Out of My Mind

What a title for a writer's blog, huh? Sometimes the mind of a writer is a scary place--so many words trying to force themselves onto the page (or computer screen). While composing this blog, my brain is also subconsciously working on one of several in-progress manuscripts.

Now would probably be a good time to tell you that I write romance. Highly emotional, many times issue-related, steam-up-the-windows contemporary romance--for the most part. I've also written a historical short story, still romance and still steamy, and am currently putting together a non-fiction proposal about uterine fibroids (see issue-related above--and only one of many).

Sure, I know it sounds like I'm unfocused. But in my defense, I have finished five manuscripts in addition to the eight works-in-progress and the n-f thing. At this point, I have to say I'm happy not to be suffering from writer's block!

I hope you enjoy reading what comes out of my mind, and what sometimes drives me out of my mind!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...with a kick