Do you set personal goals for yourself?

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I’ve heard people say writing ruined reading for them, and I do not feel this way, but I understand where they’re coming from.

For me, there’s nothing quite as thrilling as reading a good book and going “oh, I see what you did there.” The author and I are abruptly in commune, and I’ll reread the page or chapter, thrilled, like a secret message was left just for me. This even works when there’s struggle on the page. A difficult chapter pops up and I’m like “yeah, you and your editor fought over this one.” 

It works even if the whole book rides the struggle bus, truth be told. This time, though, I’ll admit it’s a little shakier. I end up with my editing hat on if I’m invested, like I wrote the dang thing, like I’ll fix it. 

I have a new idea. I’m not telling y’all about it; not yet. All I’ll say is that this is, again, the best part. Getting eaten alive by inspiration as the characters find your pulse and stay. I love them already, and I want to write their story.