We’re now a few days into the New Year, and it seems like a good time to look back. From a writing perspective, 2011 was fairly fruitful for me. Four of my stories were published. I also feel like I made some progress toward getting better at writing fiction. I still don’t consider myself a really good, but I’m learning how to balance narrative, exposition, action, and dialogue. Or at least I am consciously aware of these things while I’m writing (and editing), and actively ask myself what is missing, what do I need to add? Plot is still a big challenge.
For 2012, I’ve given myself the goal of writing three short stories. If I can do more – great! But I definitely want to 
get three done. I’d like to push myself and see if I can get published in a more prominent journal (nothing against those that have published my stories so far). I suspect I need to get better before that happens.
I haven’t really written any fiction since last September when I finished a story called “Poisoned Pawn.” I’ve just been too busy with moving (twice) and work and family commitments. But I wrote a little yesterday, and it felt good.
I’ve shopped “Poisoned Pawn” out to a number of journals, and I’m curious to see if I’ll get a bite. The story is a little unusual, and I’m not sure if others will like it.
According to Malcolm Gladwell, you need to dedicate 10,000 hours toward something before you become an expert. I’m curious if all the writing I’ve done in my career counts toward that 10,000 hours. I’ve been writing for years. It must have some impact, yes?
