by Narelle Atkins
Do you have goals, dreams and aspirations for your writing? A number of years ago I created an evolving list of writing-related goals and dreams I hoped to achieve and fulfil. I called it my writing bucket list. A bucket list is effectively a numbered list of goals you want to achieve, dreams you want to realize and life experiences you want to have before you die. For example, 101 Things To Do Before You Die.
For those who haven’t heard of a bucket list, you can learn more about them at the website community http://bucketlist.org/ and share your bucket list with others.
My writing bucket list is evolving, rather than static, because my writing journey has taken a number of twists and turns over the years. I prayerfully consider my list and I’ve learned to wait on His perfect timing.
I’ve listed a few highlights from my writing bucket list history:
Finalist in a writing contest: Faith, Hope and Love Inspirational Chapter of Romance Writers of America’s ‘Touched by Love Award’ in May 2007.
Attend an overseas writing conference: 2008 Romance Writers of America Conference in San Francisco.
Attend an ACFW conference: 2013 ACFW Conference in Indianapolis.
Publish an Aussie contemporary inspirational romance book: Signed a 6-book contract with Harlequin Love Inspired Heartsong Presents in February 2013.
Writing bucket list highlights in recent weeks:
Participate in the Romance Writers of America Literacy Signing: July 2014 conference in San Antonio, Texas.
 |
| 2014 RWA Literacy Signing |
 |
| Faith, Hope and Love Meeting at RWA in San Antonio with Angela Breidenbach. |
 |
| Harlequin Party with Laurie Alice Eakes and her adorable dog, Nick. |
 |
| San Antonio Riverwalk with Dotti (Dorothy Adamek) |
Present a workshop at a national writing conference: 2014 Romance Writers of Australia Conference this coming weekend in Sydney. ‘How to Write and Sell Inspirational Romance’, co-presenting the workshop with my mentor and dear friend, Mary Hawkins.
After years spent traveling the globe, she never expected to be back in her hometown sharing an office with her former sweetheart, Dr. Luke Morton. Megan is focused on building her business, and doesn't have time to dwell on past mistakes. But she can't ignore her feelings for the handsome doctor who works down the hall.
Luke is afraid to trust his heart to Megan, knowing she may not stay for long. But as they work together, their romance quickly rekindles. When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes her way, Luke must free Megan to choose between a big-city career or love and family…right there in Snowgum Creek.
Narelle blogs regularly with International Christian fiction Writers and Inspy Romance. http://internationalchristianfictionwriters.blogspot.com/
http://www.inspyromance.com/
She is also a co-founder of the Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance (ACRBA).
http://acrba.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.narelleatkins.com
Blog: http://narelleatkins.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NarelleAtkinsAuthor
Twitter: @NarelleAtkins https://twitter.com/NarelleAtkins
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To celebrate the official release of The Doctor's Return yesterday, I'm giving away one print copy (worldwide, wherever The Book Depository delivers) to a reader who leaves a comment on this post and enters the Rafflecopter giveaway below.
Do you have a bucket list? Have you achieved, fulfilled, or realized any of the items on your list? What are your hopes, dreams and aspirations for your writing? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
I would love to win a copy of this book. I read The Nurse's Perfect Match and loved it.
ReplyDeleteHello there, Susan Johnson! We meet again ;-) I so totally recommend Narelle's The Doctor's Return. It's really a wonderful book.
DeleteHi Susan, I'm so glad to hear you loved The Nurse's Perfect Match :) I hope you'll have an opportunity to read The Doctor's Return. Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteNot sure if my comment got swallowed... it seems to have disappeared!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought of a Writing Bucket List. It sounds like a great exercise to keep you focused.
Hi Melissa, I now CTR C (copy) my comments before hitting publish as I'm finding that they are regularly getting swallowed the first time I post them on blogger.
DeleteHi Melissa, I second what Jeanette said, and I always copy my comments before hitting preview or publish. The bucket list does help you to stay focused on the bigger picture.
DeleteHi Narelle - what a great idea. And congratulations on achieving so many of the goals on your own.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeanette :) I like including a range of goals that aren't all achievement based. I've been blessed by the opportunity to travel and make wonderful friends, both online and in person, during my writing journey.
DeleteNever thought of compiling a bucket list for my writing before but I'm going to do it. Congratulations on all your achievements so far, Narelle. Your bucket just keeps getting deeper!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andrea :) I look forward to hearing about your bucket list achievements. I'm blessed that my bucket is getting deeper, and enriching my life in ways I'd never imagined when I started my writing journey all those years ago.
DeleteThanks for sharing your bucket list Narelle. It's great to see that you've already achieved some biggies. No. 1 on my bucket list (writing or otherwise) is to live on Prince Edward Island from May to September one year as a writer in residence, swapping workshops for free accommodation. Might need a few books under my belt before I can pull off that one, but I really would like to make that happen (maybe in 10 years' time). More immediate goals are to finish the novel and poetry collection I'm working on.
ReplyDeleteHi Nola, wow, a writer in residence position on Prince Edward Island sounds amazing :) I've always wanted to visit PEI, after falling in love with the Anne books when I was younger. It's good to have a range of short, medium and long term goals and dreams on our bucket lists.
DeleteCongratulations on a fabulous 12 months (and more) of stellar writing achievements, Narelle. So glad I've been there to share some of your ride. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dotti :) I've loved sharing my writing journey with you, and I can't wait to see you tomorrow in Sydney!! A sweet reunion with you and Mary Hawkins.
DeleteIsn't it great when things you dream about actually come true? Gotta say the cliche..."all good things come to those who wait." and I'll add work and pray!
ReplyDeleteGood on you, Narelle.
Thanks, Rita :) It's exciting when our hard work bears fruit and our prayers are answered. I've always said that I'd have no regrets about my writing journey, even if I never published a book. Patience is definitely a virtue in publishing.
DeleteCongratulations! That book looks great. I really want to read it!
ReplyDeleteHi Sonja, Thanks for your congrats :) I hope you'll have a chance to read The Doctor's Return. Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteCongratulations, Narelle! I'm so thrilled for you! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Suzie :) I appreciate all your encouragement and support.
DeleteHi Narelle. Congratulations on your success. I have not read many Heartsong books...they are not sold in my area. I have started to order them online and on my Nook. I can't wait to read yours.
DeleteHi Dana, It's great to hear you're ordering the Heartsong books online :) I hope you'll have the chance to read my book. Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteCongratulations Narelle....you've inspired me to put my bucket list down on paper and keep it somewhere I can see it ton continue the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHi Marg, I'm glad you've found my post inspiring :) Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the drawing!
DeleteCongratulations on all of your achievements. I think if I ever had a writing bucket list it would have only had one entry and that would have been to become a published author... the rest is cream on the top.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle :)
DeleteCongratulations! and thanks for the chance... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Celeste :)
ReplyDelete