Reading & Writing Lounge

I am a firm believer in New Year Resolutions. For a list-lover, what could be better than planning, plotting and predicting what the next 365 days will be like? Writers are some of the most prolific resolution makers around; have you made yours?

If you’re still stuck without a plan for 2008, here are some ideas to get you going:

Plan to:

• Write every day : Sounds predictable, but this is the single most important thing you can commit to, to further your writing. Make it sacred, give yourself the time you deserve. If you skip a day, never mind. Wake up the next day and get writing.
• Start a blog : One of my favorite way to write regularly (and get feedback), blogging is so easy to do. Whether you choose to have a personal blog, a writing blog or any other kind of online journal, sharing your thoughts, opinions and views on a regular basis for the world to see will make a big difference to your writing. Blogging will teach you about writing for the web. It will put you in touch with hundreds of writers and other people in your areas of interest. Who knows, you might end up catching the eye of an editor or publisher!
• Read other writers : If you’re online, make it a habit to visit other writers blogs and websites. Not only will you make new friends and stay in touch with developments in the publishing world, but you could (writing tip!) discover new markets and avenues for your work.
• Have a goal : Decide what you want to do this year. Do you want to have x number of articles published? Want to have an article in a glossy magazine? Want to be paid for your writing? Whatever your goal, put it down on paper, then break it up into smaller goals. Getting there is easier than you think.
• Carry a notebook : Everywhere you go, have paper and pen with you. Ideas can visit unannounced. Be prepared.
• Submit your work : Unless you’re writing for personal pleasure only, there’s no point hiding your work in the desk drawer or under the bed. Promise yourself that you will query or send your work out to editors for consideration. Have a number to target. With The Query Challenge 2008, I aim to send 120 queries out this year. How about you?

Made some resolutions? Share them with us!

Related on this blog:

• Need a prompt to write?
• Keeping track of your writing
• Setting goals for 2008