Quite frankly, the last few year’ve been, well, rubbish. On all accounts. We’ve all been through a lot, both mentally and physically, and we’ve all been united by a sense of grief, joy and christ knows what else.
It’s why I’ve been silent on here since 2019. But there we go.
Time’s change.
But now, I’m reassessing my creative business goals for 2022.
For the last six months, I’ve been keeping this to myself, with piles and piles of paper scattered around the house, crumpled up in bags, and generally annoying my other half.
However, that’s about to change. I’m not using this blog as a “look at me, I’m planning, go me” sort of situation. I’m using it because I need to cut back on paper and so I can keep a physical, hopefully timeless diary of what I want to achieve, and how I’m going to get there.
So here we go.
Quarter Three Planning – 2022 – overview
Production
Production goal one– Write at least 20,000 words of The Last Prince by the end of September.
Production goal two – Design 20 ebook covers and release them for sale by the end of September
Growth
Growth goal one – Sell 3 ebook covers (either 1 series or.3 standalones) by the end of September 2022
Development
Development goal one – Read at least 15 fiction or non-fiction books by the end of September 2022
The Why (High Level)
Production goal one
Because I want to be able to have a completed first draft of The Last Prince completed by Q1 of 2023. This is what I wanted to do when I went part time at work originally. If I don’t create, I’m not developing a long-term business and not fulfilling my inherent desire to create worlds that help protect people and give them an escape from the “everyday”.
Production goal two
So that I have a bank of covers available for sale when this side of my business takes off, as the covers are on-off purchasers and I need to have stock to keep income coming into the household. Without creation, there’s nothing.
Growth goal one
Internally, for the validation that the covers I design are good enough. Externally, so that I can recoup the money invested into Photoshop already.
Development goal one
Because reading helps me relax and is something that I miss doing.
The Why (Deeper)
Production goal one
I say that I’m going to be a published author but I let the fear of the future (plays from the Clifton Strength key strength) take over.
This stops me producing books and ultimately releasing something into the world that will be judged. I know this isn’t something I’m alone in feeling, but it still doesn’t stop me fearing the “what if.”
I made the choice to cut my day job income by 20% because I want to be a full-time creative entrepreneur.
Ultimately, whatever I create is going to be judged, as this is just the way the creative industry works. I know that even though I think everyone will judge me for what I do, this isn’t the case.
I will accept this and have more faith in my own ability and strengths and will not let the fear of failure stop me from making creative assets that support what I know I will be.
Production goal two
Whilst I will be a published author, this income stream does take time to develop and grow, unless you’re one of those unicorn breakout successes.
Multiple streams of incomes are the life blood of most creative businesses, and because of this, I will create 20 more ebook covers and have them for sale whilst I am creative a series of books that will support and my other half later in life.
But it’s not just for myself.
Indie authors and writers shouldn’t be put off by the sometimes-high prices of all aspects of publishing.
Digital books can get re-covered, and if the premade ebook covers I create help other writers achieve their dream of writing and publishing a book, I’ll do everything I can to grow this side of the business.
Price shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving dreams, and I will achieve this.
Growth goal one
I will not let the fear of judgement stop me from supporting debut indie authors.
Creating and selling premade ebook covers is another source of income, I accept that, as it supports my SME and I can develop another injection of cash into our household.
I will prove to myself that what I can create is worthy of recognition, and the income generated from the specific sales will offset the expenditure I’ve already invested into the business.
Development goal one
Reading in my epic fantasy genre and other fantasy genres gives me an escape, refills my creative well, and gives me inspiration for my own writing.
Learning from other authors who already support their families as multi-passionate creatives gives me the motivation I need to push through the fear of failure and judgement.
However, I do not always need to implement every lesson or strategy I discover.
I need to think about what applies to our lives and my business.
I told myself I was going to do succeed in this, and come hell or high or water, I will.
In summary
This year’s going to be interesting, but I’m determined to grow my business as a multi-passionate creative. Whether it’s books or pre-made ebook cover designs, printable wall art (definitely on my plan for the rest of the year, somehow), I’ll keep creating, keep growing, and above all else, keep writing.
So, what’re your plans for the rest of the year? Have you set goals or are you just giving yourself permission to relax, unwind and just, recover? Let me know in the comments below, or give me a follow on Instagram.
See you soon!
Robyn
