Start the New Year off right

Every January, people make New Year’s resolutions, many of which they cannot possibly keep. Creative artists are no different. Performers vow to spend more time practicing their craft, writers strive to complete projects that have eluded them for months and yet, many of us find ourselves frustrated and disappointed come the following December.

It isn’t that we don’t aspire to great heights or even that we are lazy. Often, what happens is that, in our exuberance, we either set impossible goals or make an exhaustive list that even the most diehard and diligent would be unable to complete.

So let’s approach the year 2002 in a more realistic way. Here’s a list of prompts and ideas to get you started:

FOR WRITERS/COMPOSERS OF MUSICAL THEATRE:

1. Pick one project that you are really passionate about and decide to complete it before starting another project. Although some writers can multitask projects, many amateur writers keep coming up with ideas for projects and complete none of them.

2. Look at the deadline – for example – are you entering a contest? Is it for a collaboration? Do you want to pitch the project to a theatre for this year’s season? Do you already have a possible production time in mind? Are you submitting to a publisher?

3. Outline the entire project into smaller sections and suggest dates for completion of each section. (WRITERS: Agree to complete a certain number of pages of the libretto by each deadline date that you have set. COMPOSERS: Agree to complete at least one song by each deadline date). NO MATTER WHAT – WRITE EVERY DAY!

4. Network with other writers/composers by joining a local group of like-minded individuals who are working on a similar project and who can provide constructive criticism and inspiration to you.

5. Join a listserve, e-group or participate in forums and discussions online. (Note: Musicalmakers on Yahoo is dedicated to writers/composers and lovers of Musical Theatre and the ICWP – International Centre for Women Playwrights also has a listserve and website which may be quite useful).

6. Search for free newsletters that pertain to writing and/or composing and sign up for any that you feel will keep you motivated to continuing with your current project.

7. Avoid wasting time online by belonging to too many groups and lists and checking email more than once or twice per day.

8. Keep a notebook with you wherever you go to jot down any ideas and inspirations

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