Three years ago I created a vision statement–a statement of my goals as an author. I think it’s important to not only create such a document, but to revisit it regularly to see how I’m doing and what needs to change. So as 2014 comes to a close, I thought I’d check in . . .
SARAH’S VISION STATEMENT

• Share my faith and love of Christ with the world through my novels. Ensure each novel has a clear, Christian message that can be easily grasped and incorporated into daily living for my readers. –This is an ongoing process. Readers certainly understood the message of forgiveness in Miracle in a Dry Season–we’ll soon see how Until the Harvest does.
• Build a strong relationship with my agent that is mutually supportive. –Check! I had the chance to see Wendy several times last year and she’s wonderful to keep up with me and check in not only on my writing, but on my life.
• Sign with a major publishing house and publish the “Appalachian Blessings” series including at least three books.. –Done! I’ve nearly fulfilled the first two books and have turned in the first draft of the third in a three-book contract. My new goal is to earn out my advance and build a strong readership that will keep me writing. My new goal is to start another series that continues my Appalachian brand while breaking new ground for me.
• Use my writing as a platform to reach broader audiences with the message of Christ through speaking, blogging, book signings, book clubs, etc. Stay humble and accessible. –This stays the same. I did a handful of signings, interacted with some book clubs, and kept up my blogging. Now it’s time to focus on the speaking part of the goal.
  
• Be a good steward of any money I make. Prayerfully use the money to support the ministries God has given me. –In addition to using a portion of my earnings to support ministries, I’ve also used my author platform to encourage others to do the same through donations to food pantries. 
• Invest in myself and other writers through workshops. Attend and lead classes. Always strive to make my writing better and to encourage other writers to share their faith through creative writing. –I continue to coordinate the writing contest at a local conference and have started putting my name out there to teach workshops. I continue to attend conferences not only to network, but to LEARN. There’s still so much I don’t know . . .
• Continue to build a supportive writing “family” made up of other writers, friends and fans who will help cheer me on while I do the same for them. –That would be YOU along with so many writers I’ve gotten to know along the way. Thanks for joining me on this journey!
• My NEW goal for 2105 is to grow my writing to the place where I can work my “day job” part time and focus more on writing and all that comes with it.

There are few things more satisfying to me than having a plan and making progress. I’m a list-checker-offer. Can’t wait to see where I’ll be six months from now. I’m not sure what’s going to happen, but I do know God’s plans are bigger–and better–than mine.