Poetry Action Plan 2011

Again year, another Poetry Action Plan!


In 2008, I created my first Poetry Action Plan (PAP) as a way of incorporating my writing plans into my daily life. My goal has always been to incorporate and foster creativity into my writing life with structure. I've had great success with my PAP. Of course, success is relative when it comes to poetry.

2010 was a banner year. It was so good, professionally speaking, that I’m not sure I can top it. But if I can at least match it, I’ll be happy. I feel less pressure to push forward because I've done that—not that I’m any less driven. Now I can immerse myself in other important, large-scale projects, such as the Massachusetts Poetry Festival.


Here’s what happened with my 2010 goals.

Write a Poem a Week. I’ll end the year with 40 poems. I traveled more than I expected, so I’m happy with 40 drafts to revise in 2011.

Finish Manuscript #2. Planned on finishing it in March, but it wasn’t complete until a few weeks ago. And now it’s with my publisher for review.

Attend a Weeklong Workshop. 2010 was not the year for the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, MA. But after getting away for two weekend retreats, I’m looking forward to a weeklong workshop.

Write Articles. I committed to writing articles for Bread & Circus and Read Write Poem. Nope. Didn’t happen. And that’s OK.

Support Underlife. 2010 exceeded my expectations. Other than Underlife becoming Oprah's final book club selection, I don’t think I could have done much more to support my book.

Complete Two Video Projects. I have one video and a radio interview. That’s good enough for me.


So my 2011 goals are:

Write a Poem a Week
The writing comes first, no matter what.

Support the Massachusetts Poetry Festival
When I’m not writing, being a mom, or working full time, I’m working on the marketing for the festival. The next few months I will be neck-deep in planning. Exciting and daunting at the same time—just my kind of challenge!

Support Manuscript #2
This one depends upon CavanKerry Press accepting my manuscript. Fingers crossed. I’m not sure the type of support it will need but I’m making time to do what’s necessary to move it forward.

Start Manuscript #3
This project requires research and time, so I’ve applied for fellowships to help facilitate both. Whether or not they come through, however, this will be my major poetry project for 2011.

Attend a Weeklong Workshop
This is the year, I hope, to visit Provincetown.

Continue to Support Underlife
The challenge now is finding ways to market a book in its second year of print. My humble goal here is to earn a second print run for Underlife. I’m close. Really, really close.


Wishing you great poetry in 2011!

Comments

Anonymous said…
You really have had a stellar year -- hope 2011 brings you great news re: MS #2!
Collin Kelley said…
Sounds like some very reasonable and attainable goals. I know you'll reach them all!

Happy New Year, Jan!
Anonymous said…
you're amazing!!
January said…
Carolee, Collin, Marie--I hope we all have a stellar year to come. Happy New Year to each and every one of you!

XO
Wonderful, January! And it always amazing me that you are not a Capricorn! Your goals and lists remind me so much of myself. ;-)

Cheers to you in 2011!

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