Many writers like to set writing resolutions at the start of each year. Making resolutions can be fun, and it’s a great way to track your progress and see what you’ve accomplished at the end of the year.
Do you have some new and exciting writing resolutions but need help keeping them? Or are you struggling to set your resolutions in the first place? These six tips will not only help you solidify your writing goals for the year but also help you to maintain them throughout the year.
1. Set a realistic goal
While it’s great to dream big, avoid large, vague goals such as: ‘I’m going to get published this year’ or ‘I’m going to make the NYT bestseller list’. Instead, focus on writing resolutions that you can control in the day-to-day. Creating achievable writing goals will give you a sense of accomplishment and make it easier to maintain momentum throughout the year.
Do you want to finish a new draft? Start a daily writing habit? Edit your book? These types of writing resolutions put the power squarely in your hands.
2. Set joint writing goals
Although you might be the brains and heart behind your story, you don’t need to go about the writing process alone. Having a band of fellow writers to read your work, cheer you on, and offer moral support (and you, them) can be incredibly enriching for you and your book.
Having a writing community in place also means that you are accountable to someone for your goals. Find a few fellow writers who would like to set some writing resolutions for the year too. You can keep each other on track with weekly chats and check-ins.
Consider joining a local in-person writing group through sites like Meetup, or seek out online writing forums through r/writing (on Reddit) or the #WritingCommunity hashtag (on Instagram and Twitter). You can also connect with other writers through the NaNoWriMo community.
3. Try something new
Writers tend to be creatures of habit. Famous authors, both past and present, have demonstrated some pretty weird writing routines they deemed essential to their creative process. However, this doesn’t mean you need to be a stickler for the same daily writing customs.
Changing up your routine can be healthy and is a great way to give your writing resolutions a boost throughout the year. So, commit yourself to try something new every few months.
Do you usually write at night? Try writing in the morning instead. Do you always have an outline? Attempt writing without one and see what happens!
Trying something new can also be a good way to overcome writer’s block and bolster creativity. Moving around, writing in a new environment, or doing a new activity can help your brain to unwind, work out writing kinks, and come up with new ideas.
4. Improve one aspect of your writing
Sometimes, facing issues in our writing can be a very daunting process. It’s scary to admit to our shortcomings. However, remember that no writer is perfect. Writing is a life-long work in progress, and even the greats must constantly work to improve their craft. Instead of drowning in a sea of negativity, focus instead on improving one major aspect of your writing this year.
Whether you’d like to be able to write more effective exposition, pen more believable dialogue, or create more well-rounded characters, choose one goal to work towards. Each month, set smaller goals that feed into that larger writing resolution. Study other writers’ works, research your goal, and practice, practice, practice. Having a single, major goal to focus on will make it easier to see your progress and keep your writing resolutions going strong throughout the year.
If you’re looking for a little extra support, our author services might be just what you need. Not only can we help you focus on specific goals to improve your craft, but we’ll assist you in navigating the ups and downs of the writing process and publishing industry too.
5. Take a break
That’s right, taking a break from your writing resolutions is another great tip to help you keep them! While this might seem counterintuitive, breaks from writing are healthy. Forcing your creativity or overtaxing your stamina can lead to burnout and bring your work to a grinding halt.
Avoid writing burnout by setting consistent writing breaks for yourself. Take a day off once a week to get away from your writing and out into nature. Or set aside a few days every month for reading, journaling, or learning a new skill. You’ll find you’re more productive when you allow your brain to take breaks. It will be easier to maintain your writing resolutions when you can step away from your manuscript from time to time and come back with a fresh outlook.
6. Plan a book
A new year is a great time to start a new project, so why not start plotting your new book?
If you already have a book in the works, don’t worry. Plotting a new book doesn’t mean giving up on your WIP (work in progress). You can do both!
Take a few minutes every day to sit and jot down ideas for a new book. Keep a notebook to hand when you’re out and about, just in case inspiration strikes. Having a new project ready to go once you’ve written The End on your current WIP will keep you feeling productive and motivated about your writing resolutions.
Note: When it comes to working on your WIP, make sure you find ways to focus before writing. Compartmentalise that shiny, new project for the moment; it’ll be there later when you need it!
What do I do if I break my writing resolutions?
While these six tips can help you make and keep your writing resolutions this year, what should you do if you break them? Firstly, remind yourself that your writing resolutions are habits you hope to maintain throughout the year, not hard and fast rules you need to follow at all costs.
Secondly, there is no such thing as a broken resolution! Did you set a goal to write every day but missed a few? Start again tomorrow! Struggling to plot out your book? Take a break and let the idea simmer. What’s important is that you keep coming back to your writing resolutions, no matter what.
And if you’ve set the goal to edit your book this year and feel you’re already struggling, why not let a seasoned editor take over? From developmental edits to proofreading, we offer a variety of editing services to suit your personal goals and needs. Reach out to chat with us about your editing and writing resolutions!
