Some of us want to write more, and more, and more in 2013. Others would write less, but well. Some of us would like to become famous writers. Yet others would like to hit that jackpot deal with publishers. Many of us would like to win that literary prize or at least see our names in print in that journal that never publishes anyone. Others would just like to go viral no matter what the subject matter.
All good.
But when we think through the parts of the big plan, what New Year’s resolutions might be useful?
I. What are my goals? Will I focus on publishing an E-book? Will I work hard at getting a piece traditionally published? By the end of the year, do I want one/ more than one complete book/s done? Do I want to complete several small pieces of writing? Shall I use this year as a stepping stone towards traditional publishing? Shall I streamline my writing towards some group of magazines or journals?
II. How will I prioritize and balance different writing projects? Is writing a hobby for me? Am I working towards some other goal through writing such as a job as a copywriter or freelancer or something else? Am I writing a big project such as a book or shorter pieces for blogs, articles, reviews etc.? If I have several writing related goals, how will I prevent myself from getting obsessed with just the one project and slip-up on the others? [typically, people get sucked into doing the projects that have quicker, short-term returns lagging behind on the big projects]
III. What time of the day will I write? How will I achieve work (writing)-life balance? This is a very important question writers have to ask themselves. Writing is a labour of love for most people. Typically, it does not pay or pay enough to justify its existence. Also, for some people, the writing impetus seems to disappear the moment it’s seen as work, not a hobby. So it’s important to make realistic goals regarding the amount of time one will be able to set aside to write in the day so that disappointment does not lead to drying up of the wellspring of inspiration.
IV. How many words a day? A week? A month? In the whole year? To some of us, deciding on the number of words might seem like the crass intrusion of the quantifiable demands of the outside world into the holy sanctum of the muse’s abode. But unfortunately, writing is a real, not an ideal act. If the number of words does not suit you as a method of measurement of your goals, find a different parameter that suits you– say the number of ideas you wanted to successfully put down as stories/ blogs/ essays–whatever else.
V. Do I have a social resolution? Before those private journal writers, or those ivory tower practitioners, or those bathroom-singer-equivalent-poets turn up their noses at this one, let me tell you that all writing is social. Writing is all about making meaning in a social semiotic system. No system, no writing. Writing cannot exist meaningfully without others surrounding you. Do you have a plan for your writing self this year to make a mark within people around? Do you want to develop a brand? A network? A readership? A group? Do you have any plans for doing that this year?
Whew! That seems like a lot.
Let’s focus on realistic goals this year breaking down the above points in any way it suits us and hope the pot of gold will still be waiting for us at the end of the rainbow even though the multicoloured arc seems rather slippery right now.
©bottledworder, 2012. https://bottledworder.wordpress.com
bottledworder 
Small goals that build to larger ones always work best for me. A daily word count that I can reach fairly easily, but still requires some work. Then a monthly submission requirement–love my critique groups, because they keep me honest. And humble. And I have my big yearly wordcount goal, which is half again what a wrote this year, because I’m getting better and better at getting my BIC on. And I have a non-timeline goal to publsh with specific publishers, so I watch what they’re buying and what’s coming out, then try to do something that is close but maybe about 45 degrees off. Just enough to be me.
LikeLike
I think keeping goals simple sounds like the best advice. The bright new January calendar page always makes us bite off more than we can chew.
LikeLike
I try to keep my goals simple. I wrote @50,000 new words in 2012 while editing/revising another manuscript. I’d like to surpass that 50K in 2013. Keep us posted on your goals. 🙂
LikeLike
That must have been extremely satisfying!
LikeLike
Excellent advice – I’ve included your piece in my post today, thanks.
LikeLike
Excellent stuff. Like any art or craft, writing takes work. Show up and do it. Break the big bits into do-able bits, and it’s amazing how much you accomplish.
Writing is ALWAYS a choice.
Not writing is ALWAYS a choice.
LikeLike
well said devonellington!
LikeLike
Thanks for these thoughts. I’m taking a bold step in 2013: quitting my day job to focus on my writing… 😮 Wish me luck!!
LikeLike
Wow! Wishes are headed your way…go get ’em 🙂
LikeLike
FOCUS: Are you a writer-do you want to write a book, be a journalist? What are your goals. Find a realistic goal and focus. If it’s a story you have in mind, write a thousand words a day, edit, make sure it’s in good condition and send query letters out to the right editors/publishers,agents. See what happens. You can’t win it-if you’re not in it. Good luck.
LikeLike
I needed to read this. I have a habit of not finishing things that i’ve started. Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on My Writing Life.
LikeLike
What a great post. You’ve made me realise that I definitely need to get organised this year 😀
LikeLike
Great piece, and thought provoking. Many successful/. professional writers say that they set themselves a daily target of 1000 words. And also that they leave off writing in the middle of a sentence, so that when they go back, they can start straight away instead of waiting for inspiration!
I’ve found both these tips useful…..
LikeLike
Thank you. Very helpful advice.
LikeLike
You’ve given a lot to think about this upcoming year. I think for me or any writer consistency; setting times, goals, etc. is paramount. I’m looking forward to more from you in the new year. Happy New Year.
LikeLike
Fantastic resolutions — and something I hope to come back to refer to during the entire year, not just on New Year’s Day. Happy 2013 to you!
LikeLike
Same to you!
LikeLike
Take a rest from the hard work of resolution making and come on over to my party – be there or be square
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Excellent breakdown! Good post. I was just starting a New Year’s resolution list, and your post will help.
LikeLike
Perfect timing, I needed this! Thank you and a Happy New Year to you.
LikeLike
Love this breakdown. I don’t have the answers to all of them–yet–but yes, these are the questions I need to address 🙂 Happy New Year, Bottledworder!
LikeLike
That is so true, how writing is a labor of love for many of us, but if it feels too much like work, the love fades. I have always thought of writing in terms of the pleasure I create out of it, not what I may or may not earn from it.
LikeLike
Very helpful advice. Thanks and Happy New Year!
LikeLike
thank you for checking out my blog! I am checking out your right now and am now a follower! Happy New Year! Alesia
LikeLike
Simplifying my goals makes them more attainable. Happy New Year!
LikeLike
Thank you for this. It helps me a lot.
LikeLike
Great advice. I know i often say ” I have to write more” but never plot out actions to achieve that.
LikeLike
Thanks for this. I definately need to break down my goals like this and make them realistic.
LikeLike