It’s IWSG Wednesday again. The Insecure Writers Support Group provides a place for writers of all stripes to let down their guard, share their writerly fears and questions, and find help. Have you seen the June 25 article on Goodreads Giveaways? Good stuff.

The awesome co-hosts for the July 3 posting of the IWSG are Nicki Elson, Juneta Key, Tamara Narayan, and Patricia Lynne. Thanks, y’all!

July 3 question – What are your ultimate writing goals, and how have they changed over time (if at all)?

Excellent question! When I started my first mystery novel, about eight years ago, my goal was traditional publishing, because that’s pretty much all I knew. A few encounters with poorly-edited, self-pubbed fiction reinforced that prejudice. These days, I’m wide-open to all paths to publication. I’m thrilled to have signed with The Wild Rose Press for my first contemporary romance, and nearing completion of the second novel in that series.

My big task for July is creating a three-minute in-person pitch for my cozy mystery romance. Later this month, I’ll be flinging same at a roomful of agents and editors at the RWA National Convention in Denver. Speed pitching, like speed dating. Sounds like slightly terrifying fun.

But hey, if after six months of querying hard, if I don’t get a nibble, I’ll indie-publish that series. Traditional publishing is no longer the be-all and end-all of the literary world.

My ultimate goal? To enjoy the process of writing and publishing polished, entertaining works of commercial fiction in the mystery, romance, and horror genres. Yeah, I know, marketing will be a part of that process, and I’m even looking forward to that. Learning new things keeps the ageing brain supple, eh?

In these fraught times, I hope to give readers something to smile about, be it smoldering smooches or the satisfaction of seeing some bad people get their richly-deserved comeuppance.

What are your publishing goals? And who are you rooting for in the World Cup?