Monday, January 1, 2018

Goals and Milestones, Oh My! by Paty Jager


As I start the new year, I have already set my writing goals. My hubby believes I'll be a mental case by the end of 2018, but I believe, because I am excited about all of the series I'm writing and will start, that I will be having a blast, rather than fretting. But time will tell!

Barring any huge family crisis, I believe I have factored in a doable daily word count to make my goals achievable. If I write 3,000-5,000 words 6 days a week and I've factored in a week a month not writing, I should be able to easily write 3 Shandra Higheagle Mysteries, 1 Silver Dollar Saloon, 3 Tumbling Creek Ranch novellas, AND get 2 books written for the new mystery series I'll roll out in 2019.

Remember I said the excitement factor? I LOVE writing the Shandra books and "spoiler alert" the books this year are leading up to Ryan and Shandra wedding -which may or may not happen. ;) I know I've been torturing my readers, but it keeps them coming back for more mysteries.

I am having a lot of fun writing the Tumbling Creek Ranch contemporary western series that has been premiering in box sets. These 45,000 word stories are fun because I don't have to do as much research as I have lived a similar lifestyle (horses, dogs, cattle) so it is fun to put myself in my character's shoes on a dude ranch. 

The Silver Dollar Saloon books require some historical research, but I LOVE the setting and the ongoing characters I set up in this series. Lottie Mae, the next book coming out in May, will be a fun read. 

And last.... I am sooooo excited to start another mystery series with Game Warden Gabriel Hawke. I have been slowly discovering the character and the realm of his work and his heritage. He had a Nez Perce father and a Walla Walla mother. He grew up in Lapwai and finsihed school in Pendleton, Oregon. He later went on to become a State Police Trooper and finally the Game Warden in his family's homeland of the Wallowas.

Those are my goals for the coming year.

Milestones!
I now have over 30 books published!! 31 to be exact.
I have 4 audio books out. Starting on #5 in January.
I have 6 novellas and I a dozen short stories published.

I am beyond humbled that people who read my books like them enough to go out and purchase another one. Thank you all and have a healthy and happy New Year!



Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 32 novels, 6 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery, western romance, and action adventure. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. This is what Mysteries Etc says about her Shandra Higheagle mystery series: “Mystery, romance, small town, and Native American heritage combine to make a compelling read.”



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8 comments:

Barbara Rae Robinson said...

Love your goals, Paty. And if anyone can do them, you can.

Kai Strand, Author said...

So ambitious! You're an inspiration. Best of luck on your goals, Paty.

Sarah Raplee said...

You are amazingly prolific, Paty! All the more for us fan girls to read, my dear!

Congratulations on having 31 books out!

Maggie Lynch said...

I have no doubt you will meet your goals, Paty. I love reading about someone who is so excited about her plans. It makes me want to read every one of those books too!

Over 30 books is a huge milestone! Congrats on that and Happy New Year!

Judith Ashley said...

Congratulations on passing the 30 book mark. You'll be at 40 this time in 2019 with your roster for 2018. I love reading your books and have fallen behind...not sure when I'll get caught up with you but it will be fun to try!

Paty Jager said...

Barbara, Thank you! I love having goals and moving toward them.

Kai, Thanks! I don't feel like an inspiration, I feel determined to get all the stories in my head and heart out before I'm too old to write. LOL

Thanks, Sarah! I love have fan girls! Every time I put out another book, I wonder how I'm going to write something better than that one, but then an idea strikes and I'm off and writing again.

Hi Maggie, Thanks! I can remember when I'd written seven books and not a single one published. Then as now, I just kept on writing what made me excited and I'll keep at it until it's no longer exciting.

Thanks Judith. If all goes well by this time 2019 I should have 40-45 books published. WOW! That makes my head spin! LOL I know what you mean about trying to keep up on the books friends write. There are some I've only read one of their books, because then I need to read this persons book and then this persons...

Diana McCollum said...

Paty, not only are you an amazing writer, you are a really good person. Congrats on all your accomplishments in 2017. I know you'll reach your goals in 2018!! Thank you for sharing your story with us.

Paty Jager said...

Hi Diana, Thank you for your kind words. I think the same of you. Here's to a fun-filled 2018!