Writer Life Bucket List

In life, we all have goals and dreams of things we would like to accomplish. I am a lover of lists, so I have a separate list specifically for my writer life.

A writer life bucket list, if you will.

The list began as a way for me to think about what I really want out of being a writer. My husband and I had been talking about whether I should push forward and try to find an agent and get traditionally published or if I should invest in myself and do self-publishing. He advised me to figure out what I wanted as a writer to help guide my decision.

Some of the items on the list are more realistic than others, but dreams aren't meant to be small.

1. Be published

I want to be able to hold a physical copy of my book in hardback format and see my name listed under the title. While this is capable via traditional or self publishing, I also really want the prestige of having the emblem at the bottom of the spine that says, "Someone in the industry saw value in this story." It may be dumb, and I may change my mind, but right now that's the dream.

2. Be on an author panel at a convention

I want to be able to sit on a stage at the front of the room with a microphone in my hand and answer questions about writing and my books to a room full of people. One of the things I love more than anything is meeting authors from all genres because I love seeing how they are all regular people who are hitting professional milestones I'm still dreaming about. I want to be that for someone else too.

3. Have fan art made of my books

I think there is nothing that signals love for a book the way that fan art does. To me, it says, "I loved this piece so much that I spent extra time thinking about the characters and setting and plot to create this beautiful reflection of the book that was so important to the author."

4. Make enough money on books to fund an annual family vacation

While I do hope to have financial success from my books, I don't feel the need to make this my full-time job. I still love teaching and interacting with the kids to engage and think about writing and reading, and I think those moments make me a better writer. An easy goal to set is funding family vacations. My husband and I both love traveling, and it is one of the things that has meant a lot to us in our individual lives and as a couple. We are eager to begin traveling with our kids as well and showing them the world (but with more travelers comes more expenses).

5. Tell stories that will make my kids and family proud

One of my favorite things about writing throughout my teen years was the pride in my grandma's eyes whenever she would finish reading a story. I want to continue to see and feel that, especially for my kids. I want to create stories that they can be proud of. I want them to be able to hold their chins high as they tell people that their mom is an author.

6. Get a book made into a movie

This is hands down the most far-fetched goal on the list. Trust me, I know. Despite the fact that most adaptations flop or lowkey suck in comparison to the book, I still really want this for my books. One of the biggest reasons is the publicity (maybe that sounds shallow... let me explain). Whether a film adaptation is good or bad, it gets people talking; and once people realize that a film is based on a book, anyone who likes the premise is more inclined to buy a copy of the book to read it. I love the idea of getting more readers who have the chance to love my characters and their stories.

7. Spread good messages

Even though I write college-aged romances, I want my books to have positive messages and portray healthy relationships. When people read my books, I want them to learn:

A) College is fun.

B) Relationships with elderly people are valuable.

C) Demand to be treated right in love.

D) You can have a passionate and true love without...it...

I know that all of these goals are lofty, but I love having a clear vision of where I want to go. However, just like writing a novel, you can only see as far as your headlights even if you know what the final destination should be.