Along with cleaning out the physical clutter, it’s time to clean out the mental clutter. I admit, I have plenty of clutter to get rid of- thoughts that bog down and doom some of my best intentions. I bet many writers can relate to my resolutions…

Here are the top 5 bits of mental lint that I plan to sweep away for 2009:

1) Lint: Famous writer Jo Author writes 500 page outlines and sketches scenes worthy of hanging in the Louvre. I am unable to stick to the 2 page outlines I make and, yes, those sort-of circleish blobs on my drawings are in fact heads. Resolution: When I have this thought, I will take a deep breath and accept that my fiction writing is ORGANIC (no- I’m not a panster!). I will ignore the laughter of friends and family who know that I obsessively make lists for everything else I do in life.

2) Lint: The only way to move one’s publishing career forward is to attend every available writer’s conference and workshop. Resolution: I will slowly move my hand away from the mouse. I will not click on the “Yes, I’d love to attend!” button. I will not raid my retirement fund to go to Maui.

3) Lint: The only way to get an agent is to send your pitch to every person who says they’ve met an editor. Resolution: I will not mass mail every listing in Writer’s Market. Wait- does anyone know Millie’s agent? (I have a dog in my book. That would be targeted wouldn’t it?)

4) Lint: The only way to get better is to keep writing (and writing and writing). Resolution: OK, I buy the practice makes perfect but when I find myself typing more underscores (for word goes here) than words, it’s definitely time to go to sleep.

5) Lint: The entire publishing industry is doomed. No one is buying any books. Resolution: Recognize that journalists write stories that sell (sound familiar?) Conflict sells. Step back from the cliff and look around. People will buy entertainment. The only other option is reading the news and look where that got us. Go back to point one- write entertaining conflict that makes people turn pages (or hit page down button) and it will sell.

Wishing everyone a successful New Year for 2009!

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