The start of a new year is the perfect time for writers to reflect on their progress, set new goals, and reignite their passion for storytelling. Whether you’re drafting your first novel, revising a manuscript, or expanding your author brand, setting clear, actionable milestones can help turn your dreams into achievable realities.
1. Reflect on the Past Year
- Celebrate Wins: Take stock of what you accomplished last year, whether it was finishing a chapter, publishing a book, or simply maintaining a regular writing habit. Every step matters.
- Identify Challenges: Consider what held you back. Was it time management, motivation, or difficulty with a particular story element? Knowing your obstacles helps you address them.
2. Set SMART Writing Goals
Use the SMART framework to create goals that are:
- Specific: Define exactly what you want to achieve. For instance, “Write a 70,000-word romance novel” is clearer than “Write more.”
- Measurable: Break your goal into measurable parts, like “Write 1,500 words a week” or “Edit two chapters a month.”
- Achievable: Be realistic about what you can accomplish given your schedule and commitments.
- Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your writing ambitions, whether it’s publishing, self-improvement, or exploring a new genre.
- Time-bound: Set deadlines to keep yourself accountable, such as “Finish my draft by June 30.”
3. Break Big Goals into Manageable Milestones
Large goals can feel overwhelming, so break them into smaller, actionable steps:
- Writing a Novel:
- Outline the story by January.
- Complete the first draft by June.
- Revise and polish by October.
- Submit to beta readers in November.
- Building Your Author Brand:
- Create a website by February.
- Post one blog per month.
- Build an email list of 100 subscribers by the end of the year.
4. Create a Writing Schedule That Works
- Find Your Rhythm: Identify the time of day when you’re most productive and carve out a dedicated writing session, even if it’s just 30 minutes.
- Set Priorities: Balance writing with other responsibilities by scheduling it like an important meeting.
- Use Tools: Try apps like Scrivener for drafting, Trello for goal tracking, or Pomodoro timers to stay focused.
5. Stay Accountable
- Track Your Progress: Use a journal, spreadsheet, or app to log daily or weekly achievements.
- Join a Writing Community: Share your goals with a supportive group of writers. Accountability partners or critique groups can provide motivation and feedback.
- Reward Milestones: Celebrate each step—whether it’s completing a scene or hitting a word count goal—with small rewards like a favorite treat or a writing-free day.
6. Embrace Flexibility
Life happens, and that’s okay. If you miss a milestone or need to revise your goals, treat yourself with kindness and adjust as needed. Progress, not perfection, is the key.
7. Dream Big While Staying Grounded
Balance ambitious long-term goals with achievable short-term actions. For example:
- Long-term Goal: Become a full-time author or publish a bestseller.
- Short-term Action: Write one polished manuscript this year and submit it to agents or self-publish.
Examples of Writing Goals
- Write 100,000 words across all projects this year.
- Complete a detailed outline for a new book.
- Enter one writing contest each quarter.
- Self-publish one novella or short story by September.
- Grow your email list by 500 subscribers by year-end.
Writing goals are more than tasks—they’re promises to yourself to keep creating, learning, and pursuing your passion. With clear milestones and consistent effort, you’ll not only make progress but also build confidence in your abilities.