My ROW80 Goals

ROW80 stands for “A Round of Words in 80 Days.” Click on the logo to find out more about the challenge.

I discovered ROW80 at the perfect time. Last week, I decided to take a last minute leave of absence from my MFA in Writing program. I’ve been dealing with some medical issues that make traveling difficult. It also seemed like a good opportunity to take some time off to think about my memoir, the program I’m currently in, and what my next steps should be going forward.

But being out of a program means losing those ever-so-important writing deadlines. Thankfully, Round 3 of ROW80 starts tomorrow, so I was able to sign up in time to be part of the round from the start.

GOALS FOR ROW80, July 2nd-September 21

(Edited July 5)

1. Write every day. Period. I’ve decided not to get tripped up on word counts, hours, or the idea of working on a particular project. Even if it just means a poem or a free write, the act of writing daily is the most important thing.

2. Blog twice a week.

3. Read a total of six books, any genre.

4. Spend one hour a day on social media stuff. This means conversations on Twitter, commenting on blog posts, and generally making new friends and connections.

5. Exercise 3x per week for 20-30 minutes. Ambitious, but worth adding.

I look forward to meeting my fellow ROW80 participants and wish you all the best of luck with your goals!

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14 replies to “My ROW80 Goals”

  1. Welcome to the Round of Words, Alana. I’m starting my second year with ROW80, and I firmly believe that it is one of the most supportive and helpful communities around. I hope that you find it true for you as well. We do have a Twitter hashtag #ROW80 where many of us hang out, as well as a Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/groups/183140135095210/permalink/338473996228489/ Folks tend to hang out one or both places, depending on their comfort level with the platforms. Also, if you have any questions, or need some encouragement or just an ear, sing out. It is a great group. Best of luck to you on your goals. 🙂

    1. Alana says:Author

      Thanks so much, Elizabeth! I’ve been following the Twitter discussion a bit, but I’ll check out the Facebook group too. Best of luck to you as well!

  2. Dahnya Och says:

    I’ve been tempted to chase an MFA just for the writing deadlines! Isn’t that sad?

    Welcome to ROW80! Be sure to participate in those #ROW80 chats – we love lurkers, but we love fun conversations more! It’s always great to see the feed filled with things other than links. (I mean, we love links too, but you know what I mean…)

    Good luck to you this round!

    1. Alana says:Author

      I know that temptation well. I actually prefer setting my own deadlines…the problem with MFA deadlines is that someone’s always waiting to read everything you’ve just written, and it can sort of paralyze you when you’re writing a draft.

      Thank you for the welcome! I’ll definitely do my best to participate on Twitter. Good luck to you as well.

  3. Welcome to ROW80, Alana! This is my third, and I’ve found it really helpful. Knowing I have to own up if I don’t meet my goals is a great motivator! (Even though everyone’s still nice to you if you don’t!) Your goals sound challenging but reasonable – good luck!

    1. Alana says:Author

      Thanks, Jennette! Looking forward to being part of this. Good luck on your goals too!

  4. Emily says:

    Welcome to the fold, Alana! This has been my first year of ROW80, they are an amazing group! Hope to see you around more! 🙂

    1. Alana says:Author

      Thank you, Emily! I’ll definitely be around.

  5. Hello, welcome to ROW80! So nice to have on board!
    Great list of goals you got there! Good luck 😉

    1. Alana says:Author

      Thank you, Juliana!

  6. Welcome to ROW80. I hope you find it helps you achieve your goals.

    1. Alana says:Author

      Thanks!

  7. Hi Alana! You have a great list of goals! Focused, but well rounded and still challenging. Good luck with this round and everything else you’re coping with at the moment! If you need anything – advice, encouragement, a swift kick in the pants – just let us all know!! Have a good week 😀

    1. Alana says:Author

      Thanks, Lauren! I hope you have a good week too!

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