Writing Resolutions

(Originally posted on 1/2/11)

 A friend of mine sent me a link to a website called Wordplay that had a post which talked about New Years resolutions for writers.  I love the top 10 ideas they came up with, so I'm sharing it here with you.  I you want to visit the page yourself, you can see it here.  And even if you don't want to see the page, you should check out Wordplay.  It's a very cool site! :)

10 Writing Resolutions You Can Fulfill

New Year’s goals can be notoriously whimsical, erratic, and just plain unrealistic. When we focus on the goals that are slightly more achievable, we’re not only more likely to pull them off, but we’ll also feel much better about ourselves come next year. Following are ten writing resolutions that you can fulfill this year:

1. You can write every day. Or at least on a regular basis. Plan a reasonable writing schedule and stick with it. Perhaps you’ll write for two hours every day, as I do, or perhaps you’ll only be able to save twenty minutes from the general frenzy of life. Whatever the amount of time, make up your mind to stick with it relentlessly.

2. You can finish that first draft. Let this be the year you type “The End” on that story (or stories) you’ve been tinkering with. Unfinished stories are unread stories, and unread stories are unpublished stories. Start building the habit of finishing every story you start.

3. You can study the craft / read more. Invest in some worthy books on the craft, subscribe to writing magazines, or sign up for writing workshops either online or at a conference. And don’t forget to read like crazy. The best way to study the craft is to learn at the feet of the master wordsmiths.

4. You can enjoy every minute of it. Okay, maybe not every minute. You’re entitled to the occasional headbang against the keyboard when your main character is blowing raspberries instead of cooperating. But don’t let yourself forget that, as a writer, you’re one of the most blessed people on the planet. Embrace the ups and downs of the craft, and don’t let the rough moments get to you.

5. You can find a critique partner. Every writer needs at least one pair of objective eyes to catch the glaring mistakes in his manuscript and cheer him on when the going gets tough. If you’re not already lucky enough to have such a person, start frequenting writing groups, forums, and blogs. Strike up friendships and offer to trade manuscript critiques.

6. You can banish writer’s block. Learn to cultivate a lifestyle that will encourage inspiration, and master the skills that will send writer’s block packing whenever it threatens.

7. You can stretch your comfort zone. Safe is boring. Try something new this year—whether it’s a new genre, a new format, or a wildly unpredictable new character.

8. You can set realistic goals. Focus on what you can achieve on your own. You can’t ensure you’ll find a publisher for your novel this year, or any year—but you can send out five queries every month.

9. You can help others. The writing community is all about sharing. We learn from and are assisted by others, and, in turn, we should make it a point to share our own knowledge and encouragement. Join writing forums and groups, offer to read a less experienced author’s manuscript, or maybe just leave a good review on one of your favorite author’s books.

10. You can call yourself a writer. If you write, you’re a writer. Don’t ever let yourself believe differently. Make it your goal to better your writing skills and habits with every new year, but don’t feel you have to wait to claim your title as a “writer.” Claim it and wear it with pride.