Tracking Writing Goals: A Mid-Year Reflection

As we reach the midpoint of 2026, it’s the perfect time for a writing goals update from the perspective of author Dan Rice. Reflecting on the past months, Rice raises a familiar question: am I scoring goals or missing them? Let's explore his progress, recent releases, and ongoing projects that are shaping his literary journey.

Embracing New Releases

Rice’s writing journey has been marked by notable achievements, particularly with the launch of two new books, Solarflame and The Bane of Dragons. Both titles have launched successfully, marking a significant milestone for Rice, particularly as The Bane of Dragons has received recognition as a Barnes & Noble Top Indie Favorite, a distinction that can boost an indie author's visibility significantly. Such accolades in the indie publishing sphere can lead to increased reader interest, potentially translating into higher sales figures and broader readership.

With the release of the fourth and final volume of The Allison Lee Chronicles, Rice not only completed the series but also checked off a bucket list item. This accomplishment demonstrates his commitment to storytelling, showcasing his ability to maintain a narrative thread across multiple volumes, a challenge that many authors face. Completing a series allows an author to wrap up character arcs and themes, leaving a lasting impact on readers who have followed the journey. It's a rite of passage that many writers aspire to achieve, often elevating their credibility in a competitive market.

Progress on Writing Projects

As Rice navigates his creative endeavors, he recently wrapped up drafting Chapter 33 of his vampire dragon Work in Progress (WIP). “Wowza! Chapter 33!” he exclaims, signaling enthusiasm as he celebrates this milestone. For any writer, hitting key chapters in the drafting process can be exhilarating—it signifies progress not just in word count, but in the unfolding of the plot. Rice estimates that the final rough draft could total between 80,000 and 90,000 words by fall, reflecting a writer's natural ambition to expand and refine their ideas into structured narratives. It's in that phase where stories can evolve in unexpected ways, compelling the writer to reflect on their plot and character development continuously.

However, Rice doesn't shy away from addressing the challenges that accompany this creative journey. He notes the hurdles of transitioning from drafting to querying, a common frustration among many authors. The querying phase often feels like a dance of vulnerability; writers must put their work out into the world, exposing it to scrutiny and potential rejection. This anxiety permeates the indie author community, as submission processes can be as daunting as they are necessary. Rice's apprehension during this period resonates with many emerging writers—this is often where dreams meet reality, and not everyone is prepared for the harsh feedback that can accompany it.

Short Story Success

Highlighting another accomplishment, Rice's recent work on his short story The Dream Service stands out as a notable success. Having finished rewriting and successfully publishing the piece, the victory is particularly sweet considering the initially difficult conception of the story. Now featured on SpillsWord.com, this narrative ventures into the realm of near-future dystopia, adding a nuanced layer to Rice’s writing portfolio. What's particularly intriguing is how this story fits into a loosely connected short sequel series alongside earlier works like The Future of Our Prosperity, The Wall, and War Machine. This interconnectivity enriches his collection, allowing readers to see thematic parallels and character echoes that can enhance their engagement with the narrative.

Future Endeavors: Solarflame II

Looking ahead, Rice shares tantalizing thoughts about potential future projects, specifically a sequel tentatively titled Solarflame II. Yet, he acknowledges that the chances of diving into this sequel are slim for now as he prioritizes the development of his vampire dragon WIP. This focused approach is essential for many writers balancing multiple ideas; it often sharpens their voice and overall narrative direction. Concentrating on one project can yield a more cohesive and polished final product, which benefits both the author and their audience.

Reflection on Writing Goals

Summarizing his progress, Rice expresses general satisfaction with his writing goals, noting he's hitting most marks except for one chosen aspect he decided not to pursue this year. While he typically avoids rigid New Year’s resolutions, he finds that setting writing goals channels his creativity and enhances productivity. "Now, if only my reading goals for the year were coming along so swimmingly…” he adds, contrasting the ease of writing with the challenges of engaging with literature. The struggle with reading goals often reflects a broader issue faced by many authors: maintaining their own creative output while also consuming others' works.

Significance of Rice's Journey

Dan Rice’s mid-year assessment reveals a writer in motion—making strides, completing significant projects, and continuously striving for improvement. As he embraces the myriad joys and challenges of writing, Rice's journey resonates deeply within the literary community. His experiences highlight an essential truth: dedication, creativity, and reflective practice are integral to an author’s path. For aspiring authors, Rice's story serves as a reminder that the journey is often as vital as the destination, echoing the sentiment that resilience in creativity can lead to both personal growth and professional success.