Five Writing Goals to Start the Year

Hey, all! Now that the winter holidays are past, it’s high time to focus on goals for the upcoming year.

#1 Carve Out Writing Time

It takes discipline to sit down in front of a computer (or pick up pen and paper for old-school fans), block out distractions, and tap into the creative juices.

But we must. Because if we don’t make writing a priority, it won’t happen. (You know I’m right!)

Set a goal to write at least three days a week. Pick out a time that works best for you to write distraction free. Rise an hour before the family and type away. Or slate late night after meeting the day’s obligations. I used to write in notebooks while waiting for my child’s practice to end or I dictated my ideas on my phone to revisit later. Identify your best time, set it, and protect it.

#2 Join a Critique Group

Because of my experience with a faithful team of writers, I can, without hesitation, recommend that you set a goal of joining a critique group. Getting regular feedback on your manuscript can prove invaluable. Our partners spot plot holes, areas that lack clarity, and errors in grammar.

Not every group is a good fit. I encountered many mismatches before discovering my ideal team. But don’t give up! Set a goal to find supportive writers like you. If needed, this link provides a list of organizations that set up critique groups.

#3 Devote Time to Create or Maintain a Platform

Writers need a platform to increase visibility and market their work to a target audience. But “platform” poses a huge obstacle for many people. It’s a time sucker. It’s daunting. There are too many options to consider, like Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok, Pinterest, Instagram, blogs, podcasts, and websites. Where do you start?

Instead of trying to engage in multiple arenas (which can lead to quick burnout), try focusing on one or two. Take time to explore various options. Then, set a goal to post or engage in the media bi-weekly or more. Keep your brand in mind. I found this article addressing platform-building from Denise Wakeman helpful.

#4 Educate Yourself

The writing profession encompasses many elements:  researching, drafting, and revising; querying agents, publishers, and magazines; organizing book launches, interviews, and speaking engagements; participating in conferences, critique groups, and professional organizations; engaging in social media, podcasts, and advertising; writing blogs, articles, and newsletters. How overwhelming is that?!

#5 Set a goal to educate yourself on one area.

I’ve found it’s best to create an achievable goal with a narrow focus. For example, I need to improve communication, so I’ll educate myself—perhaps through online courses, how-to articles, or conferences—on how to use emails lists and newsletters to reach my target audience.

You can also educate yourself by attending a writing conference. Two of my favorites are the Write to Publish in Wheaton, Illinois and Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in Ridgecrest, North Carolina. There are other well-respected conferences out there too—Florida Christian Writing Conference and the Kentucky Christian Writing Conference, for example. And don’t forget virtual conferences. End Game Press hosts excellent ones.

So, there you have it. Four practical writing goals for any author. What goals are you setting? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Elementary school teacher Lori Z. Scott usually writes fiction. Her down time is filled with two quirky habits: chronic doodling and inventing lame jokes. Neither one impresses her principal (or friends/parents/dogs/casual strangers), but they do help inspire her writing.

Somehow, her odd musings led her to accidentally write a ten-title bestselling chapter book series and on purpose write over 175 short stories, articles, essays, poems, and devotions. Lori also contributed to over a dozen books.

Lori enjoys speaking, leading workshops, and visiting local elementary schools to share her writing journey. Follow her on Instagram @Stories.by.Lori .