Hello, everyone!
Thanks for joining me in another post from Bookmarked, the blog for readers and authors alike.
Today, I wanted to offer a few suggestions to all the writers or aspiring writers out there regarding New Year's Resolutions.
If you're like me, you make all kinds of resolutions that don't often come to fruition. But the main reason a lot of New Year's Resolutions don't come to pass is because people don't make an outlined plan for them.
So, I wanted to discuss a few resolutions for writers in 2024 and outline a plan for how to follow through on them.
Also, I want to mention that, for our podcast episode this week, I will be going into greater detail about writing advice for the new year. Be sure to listen to that on Friday! You won't want to miss it!
1. Finish your manuscript.
Many of us have the habit of starting new works and abandoning them soon after, so maybe it's time to set a goal to challenge that this year! When you finish a piece of writing, even if it’s difficult or you don’t like the final product, you’ve actually accomplished a lot. For one thing, you have room to start revisions. For another, you've learned about your own writing process and now have the confidence that you can, in fact, finish a manuscript.
With every finished work, you will grow as a writer and be better prepared for your next project. In 2024, set a goal to finish one story, or whatever makes sense for the type of work you do. The results will be super rewarding!
2. Experiment more.
If you're stuck with a bad case of writer's block, try something new! Just because you enjoy writing a particular genre or style doesn’t mean the others are off-limits. In reality, trying something new can provide the challenge you need to become better and find new ideas.The change can kickstart your brain and help you find even more things to love about being a writer.
3. Get feedback on your work.
Writing may be solitary at times, but the truth is, you can't do it all on your own. Feedback is a crucial part of writing. It helps you determine whether or not your story is working, what messages and tone your writing is conveying, and whether or not you are succeeding in saying what you’re trying to say.
Getting feedback can help you become a more effective writer and make the practice more enjoyable. This year, make it a goal to find a local or online group of other writers who can offer support and critique to help you accomplish your goals!
4. Read more books.
As a writer, one of your jobs is reading as much as possible. Reading helps you learn more about your craft, inspires you with new ideas, and challenges you to become better. I understand that when you're busy, it may not seem like you have time to read for fun. But reading will ultimately make you a better writer, even if you just read a few pages per day. Set reading goals for yourself in 2024 with book-tracking apps like Goodreads and Fable!
5. Create a writing routine.
Most successful writers have some kind of writing routine. There’s not one right way to create a writing routine, so it will look different for each person. But establishing a regular routine is a good way to make progress on your goals and ensure you always have time to practice writing. A writing routine can be having a daily or weekly word count, writing during the same hours every day, or writing for an allotted amount of time per day.
Not every writer writes daily or for the same amount of time in each session. Figure out what works for you and your schedule!
6. Set realistic writing goals for yourself.
Writing goals can be great motivation, but you also have to be realistic. Most people can't write an entire manuscript in a month, and that’s okay! You’re still a writer, even if you need to take it slow. The key to reaching your writing goals is starting with one that is doable and realistic. For example, try writing for one hour every day, or write in 30 minute intervals and take breaks in between. If you set a goal based on your schedule, you'll be more likely to succeed.
7. Don’t be afraid to throw bad ideas out there.
The first step to good writing is often “bad” writing. Everyone starts with an imperfect first draft, and that is perfectly okay. It’s tempting to stop writing when your draft isn’t turning out how you imagined, but remember that everyone’s first attempt is a little "bad," and the magic happens later when you start revisions.
You have to write before you can edit, so don’t let perfectionism stop you. Throw every bad idea you can possibly think of out there, and this will help you realize what "good" ideas you have.
8. Take breaks!
This is my biggest piece of advice. It's important to write frequently if you're trying to create a lengthier work, but taking breaks is absolutely crucial for both your mental and physical wellbeing.
Taking breaks eases the strain on your eyes, and it also benefits your mental state. Your brain works very hard, and sometimes it needs to rest in order to serve you best. Even if you just take short, 10-minute breaks between writing sessions, this will help you tremendously in the long run.
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Thank you to everyone who continuously reads these blog posts, and remember to always listen to our weekly podcast on FRIDAYS, because we often relate our blog and podcast to the same topic. This week, I cover writing advice for the new year. Make sure to tune in!
Allison Chudina
Editorial Assistant
Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.
Bookmarked
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