BHAGs for 2012

]\Big Hairy Audacious Goals. We all have them. They might hover within our own heart and mind, never shared with family or friends, but they exist as much as we live and breathe. They are goals we might be hesitant to make but find necessary to note. After all, we're told to dream big and this is our opportunity to do so.

As writers, we tend to chart out some annual goals, 5-year goals and even beyond. We want to see some progress in our careers and this makes total sense. If we're serious about this writing life, then we need to push ourselves to produce, to create, to make some headway. Personally, it begins with writing each day. I see a definite increase in not only quantity of words but quality when I write each day. Maybe it's the satisfaction of knowing I've completed what I set out to do, or just modest word count goals.

The key is to build on these goals and to reach for the sky. I have many writer friends who are amazing with their output, their ideas, their creativity, their spunk. I find myself quite envious at times. But most often I find myself inspired. Writers are a different breed and we all know it. Inspiration is hard to find and a welcome friend indeed. So when I see friends entering contests, having an article published, signing with an agent - I'm just as giddy as if it were happening to me.

So, now you're wondering, "Ok, Kirk, so what IS your BHAG for 2012?" Honest question. I have ten goals for the year. Major ones, not just fluff 'n stuff. At the top of the list would be finding an editor or agent who falls in love with my novel(s). Let's not even worry about whether they purchase the story. While certainly the reason for celebration, I would much rather receive some positive feedback, have someone "get it", first.

Now it's your turn. What is your BHAG for the year? In future posts, I'll be sharing my ten primary goals for 2012 and how I hope to reach each of them.