Getting into shape for the New Year isn’t just for your body. It’s the perfect time to develop a strategy for your writing career. With these tips for productivity, goal-setting and networking, you can hit the ground running come January 1st.
Take stock of the year that was
The simple act of sitting down with pen & paper in hand to reflect on the preceding year is a simple way to see what you’ve done and where you want to go with your writing.
By looking at how many stories you started and completed, and then resolving to do better in the year ahead, you’ve already adopted a winning attitude.
Make it routine
Whether your goal is to explore a new genre, polish your editing skills, or to try your hand at writing a novel, setting aside a chunk of writing time every day is a great habit to get into.
Debbi Ohi of Inkygirl.Com has created her 1000 Words A Day Project, which encourages writers to try to write the allotted words at least six days a week.
For those with less time to spare but the desire to feel that same sense of accomplishment, Debbie also encourages people to try her 500 Words A Day Challenge.
Whatever the amount of time you devote, daily writing keeps your creativity flowing and your ambition in tip-top shape.
The benefits of networking
Networking with other writers is a great way to stay inspired, and with daily chats for writers on Twitter, you can instantly connect with others in the same boat.
By searching for writing-related keywords using hashtags such as #writegoal and #amwriting, you can track all the conversations on Twitter related to that topic and dialogue with other writers all over the world.
Be sure to check out Inkygirl.com’s Twitter Guide for Writers, along with the other posts in her series dedicated to Twitter tips for writers.
Networking is a great tool to introduce yourself to others, but beware of spending too much time talking about writing. Don’t forget to spend some time putting actual words to paper. Otherwise, you’ll have nothing to share!
Hold yourself accountable
It's easy to let your writing fall to the wayside of everything else going on in your life.
The Writer's Chore Chart introduced by Shonna Slayton at Routines for Writers offers a more visual way to keep track of your productivity.
By designating tasks such as editing, research and marketing, it makes the task of accomplishing your goals a little more fun and gives you a visual of where you are doing well and where you can make improvements.
When the New Year rolls around, make it your resolution to set new goals for your writing. Creating a plan for the upcoming year is a surefire way to stay on track.
What are your writing resolutions for the New Year? Will you work to write more or try something new? How will you achieve your goals? Feel free to share your ideas and suggestions in the comments section.
Comments
These are awesome tips!! Keep up the good work in 2010. You are on a roll!!
The Twitter advice is spot on and has already helped me both network and get valuable advice. For the new year I have several books planned. Since creating a cohesive universe this past month, I have outlines & a "writing bible" put together as reference. One WIP is ready for query submission. The planning's done, so my goal is to get the first book submitted and the second book is 1/2 done already. Another goal is to get a professional website up and running. I already have a blog, so I intend to incorporate that plus my networking to help market my books. 2010 looks to be busy, but only in the best possible sense.
Heidi: It seems like you've got a great game-plan already in motion and it sounds like you'll have plenty to keep you busy in 2010. Professional websites are a must - perhaps I can put together an article with tips for creating a strong writer's website.
Jennifer: Thanks for the support. I've been enjoying your articles as well and look forward to seeing what you have in store for the New Year!
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