A new year always brings a new beginning and 2019 is just around the corner. Most people look forward to the opportunity to begin things anew, to set new goals or reaffirm old ones. The age old favorite is losing weight and getting healthier. The self promise to go to the gym more often and eat better usually falls off the list of New Year Resolutions by the end of January. So do most resolutions, for that matter.
Are writers just as bad about sticking to resolutions? Maybe most of us are. I’m guilty of that for sure. I spent some time reading a few articles online to see what resolutions are most popular among writers. Many of them would go a long way to making our writing lives better if we could only stick to them. I thought I’d go over a few of them and likely pen down a few on my list as a challenge for 2019.
The two most popular resolutions are to be more realistic in setting your writing and reading goals. For example, instead of having a goal of writing a lengthy novel or setting a word limit such as writing 3,000 words a day, it might be more realistic and helpful to set a time limit for your writing. Instead of focusing on that huge project or a word count, start out by resolving to write for 30 minutes or an hour each day. Let the words come to you instead of trying to force the words. Another option is to reach out to some of your fellow writers and have a joint goal-setting session. It might be helpful in keeping yourself and others motivated during the year, kind of like joining the gym with a friend instead of trying to lose weight or get in shape alone.
As far as reading goals, most of us are well read and enjoy reading more than the average person. We’re sort of wired that way. However, maybe this year we read more things outside of our genre and look for more reading recommendations from our peers and on other sites such as Goodreads. Reading things outside of our genre is a great way to learn and grow as a writer, to pick up on new tips and ideas to help us with our own work.
Another popular resolution I found was to spend more time in the company of other writers. This is another great way to pick up on new tips and ideas, to grow in our craft. A good way to meet fellow writers is by joining online communities, but the best way is to seek out a local guild or other organization. Take advantage of those meetings and friendships. Those of us that already have done that will attest to just how valuable they are!
Also on the list of most popular resolutions was to try something new. For example, if you are a writer that relies on a schedule such as writing first thing in the morning, maybe try writing in the evening a few times. Changing things up in your routine might be a great way to discover new motivations or inspirations.
Spending more time revising work and spending more time on social media made the list. For many of us, those are the two least favorite things we like to do even if they are necessary. However, adding another round of revision to our work is never a bad idea. Letting something you’ve written simmer for a few more days before one last review or revision could provide the needed break you need to see your work with fresh eyes and discover ways to make your story even better.
Think about making a list of your own resolutions, either for yourself or together with a couple of other writers. What makes your list for 2019? As always, we’d love to see you share those with us in the comments below.
Are writers just as bad about sticking to resolutions? Maybe most of us are. I’m guilty of that for sure. I spent some time reading a few articles online to see what resolutions are most popular among writers. Many of them would go a long way to making our writing lives better if we could only stick to them. I thought I’d go over a few of them and likely pen down a few on my list as a challenge for 2019.
The two most popular resolutions are to be more realistic in setting your writing and reading goals. For example, instead of having a goal of writing a lengthy novel or setting a word limit such as writing 3,000 words a day, it might be more realistic and helpful to set a time limit for your writing. Instead of focusing on that huge project or a word count, start out by resolving to write for 30 minutes or an hour each day. Let the words come to you instead of trying to force the words. Another option is to reach out to some of your fellow writers and have a joint goal-setting session. It might be helpful in keeping yourself and others motivated during the year, kind of like joining the gym with a friend instead of trying to lose weight or get in shape alone.
As far as reading goals, most of us are well read and enjoy reading more than the average person. We’re sort of wired that way. However, maybe this year we read more things outside of our genre and look for more reading recommendations from our peers and on other sites such as Goodreads. Reading things outside of our genre is a great way to learn and grow as a writer, to pick up on new tips and ideas to help us with our own work.
Another popular resolution I found was to spend more time in the company of other writers. This is another great way to pick up on new tips and ideas, to grow in our craft. A good way to meet fellow writers is by joining online communities, but the best way is to seek out a local guild or other organization. Take advantage of those meetings and friendships. Those of us that already have done that will attest to just how valuable they are!
Also on the list of most popular resolutions was to try something new. For example, if you are a writer that relies on a schedule such as writing first thing in the morning, maybe try writing in the evening a few times. Changing things up in your routine might be a great way to discover new motivations or inspirations.
Spending more time revising work and spending more time on social media made the list. For many of us, those are the two least favorite things we like to do even if they are necessary. However, adding another round of revision to our work is never a bad idea. Letting something you’ve written simmer for a few more days before one last review or revision could provide the needed break you need to see your work with fresh eyes and discover ways to make your story even better.
Think about making a list of your own resolutions, either for yourself or together with a couple of other writers. What makes your list for 2019? As always, we’d love to see you share those with us in the comments below.
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