Looking forward to 2016

Winter Raccoon
© Diana Ting Delosh
ink watercolor digital

Here's to 2016 and all the hopes and promises of a shiny New Year. 

Wishing All a Happy and Creatively Productive, Prolific and Prosperous New Year

As for me I have my 2016 planner and my lists of things I hope to accomplish and how I plan to do it.  The how, I feel is actually more important than the end game. I could say I want to have picture book contract with a major traditional publisher in 2016. However it would be unrealistic as there are quite a few factors out of my control. I'm much better having as goals: 

• a few picture book dummies and /or manuscripts that have gone through the vetting process of my trusted illustrator crit group and/or my writer's group. One of my resolutions is to only submit my best. Which is why I really need the eyes and ears of my beta readers.

• Making a list of publishers/agents/editors that I feel would be most receptive to my projects.

• Submitting to the above. 

• Working on multiple projects/proposals at a time as I can't afford to put all my eggs in 1 basket.

• Revamping my website/portfolio dianadelosh.com so that it's as enticing as possible.

Instead of a "where I want to be by the end of the year" dream list. I'm making a list of specific projects and tasks that are steps towards my dreams and hopes for 2016.

2010 Creative Goals Simplified

Aside from the usual be organized, prosperous, productive, prolific, creative - And how I plan to do all this in a routine & balanced manner. Specifically I want to:

• Finish my mid grade Mystery Manuscript/art & Sub
• Bunny & Bear Picturebook Manuscript/dummy & Sub.
• Create proposals /sub to other markets.
• Create mid grade/YA illustration portfolio samples: jacket & interior art. - approach these markets
• 3 Mass Postcard Mailings: 1 - Jan/feb_, 2 - before May8!_, 3 - Aug/sept_
• Greetingcarduniverse: Reach 1000 cards in store mark (Ended 2009 with 505 cards in store. This was 1 of my few bright spots last year. Hope it continues to improve and shine in 2010)

Must Keep mind and all 4 limbs in motion and moving towards the finish line! In 2009, I felt like I was stuck in a hamster wheel! Sure I was very busy - but most paths seemed to deadend. Must break free of the wheel!