On other hand, don't set wimpy goals simply because you're afraid to fail. Talane Miedaner, author of Coach Yourself to Success (McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books, 2002) notes: "People sometimes give themselves 'weeny' goals-they play it safe so they don't fail…But bigger goal, more likely you are to achieve it."

3. Create Deadlines

Without deadlines, your goals are merely dreams. Set deadlines for both short- and long-term goals, and I promise, you'll get there sooner!

Remember that deadlines can be flexible. Life changes and so do goals. Never be afraid to adjust timeframe for a goal. What's important is to keep moving forward.

4. Look at your goals everyday!

Visual aids are an effective way to program your brain.

Reading and re-writing goals are two very effective visual aids. By physically rewriting your goals and pasting them in places you regularly frequent, you make them more real in your mind.

I read an article in this month's Shape magazine that inspired me. The author mentioned that before Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of bestselling book & Oprah Pick Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy (Warner Books, 1995) became a bestselling author, she pasted her name on #1 spot of New York Times bestseller list and posted it on her computer. Visual Aids like these give you that extra ammunition that will make a difference.

5. Make Goal Setting a Routine

Begin every morning with a "To Do" list. This will help you organize and better manage your time. Plus, your goals will be right smack under your nose every day. Do not get discouraged over any unfinished items. Simply transfer them to next morning's list.

The above said, keep your goals front and forward in your mind. Remember...you only get one chance to live your dreams!

In words of Cecil B. De Mille: "The person who makes a success of living is one who sees his goal steadily and aims for it unswervingly. That is dedication."

Find lots of links for hobbies at http://www.searchingforhobbies.com or http://www.ivillage.com.

--Create a novel journal. In this journal, write down ideas about novel and its characters. Your vision of what you want book to be. Be very specific. You could create a virtual journal on your computer disk/hard drive. Or you might try blogging. (A blog is an on-line journal.)

There are web sites that give free blog space, such as http://www.crimsonblog.com and http://www.mindsay.com.

--If you're not a member of a writers' organization/group/workshop, join one. The sense of camaraderie is so helpful. It's very isolating to write a novel alone, as I did--with no writers' group or class for support. I've since joined a writers' organization, which provides a feeling of help and support as we attain our dream.

Find writers' organizations at http://www.writerswrite.com.

--Of course, read writers' magazines/e-zines for technical tips on writing. But you should also choose a favorite author to read and re-read exclusively as you write your novel. Realize that author's writing will influence yours--so he/she should be great.

Some writers choose not to read other writers while writing a book. Some novelists--like Barbara Kingsolver--read a favorite author. Think of this book or author as a literary comforter; mine is "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte.

Find your favorite author's work at http://www.sunsite.berkeley.edu/Libweb and http://www.literature.org.

--On revising: Ideally, revising ends when you begin your next book. In meantime, have someone else read your manuscript. In my case, no one but editors read entire manuscript. Several of my family members and a writer-friend read chapters/chapter.

But if you're not ready for your cousin to read your novel, work on an article, begin another book or just take a break and re-discover world.

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Web sites of interest to novelists-in-the-making:

http://www.author-network.com/saevig1.html

http://www.Suite101.com/welcome.cfm/novel_writing

http://www.writepage.com/excerpts/exmchtw.html

http://www.writeyournovelnow.com

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2004 Copyright by Y.A. Reid