As we welcome in the new year, now is the perfect time to set a few goals and resolutions for our writing practices. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, there’s always room for improvement and growth. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing our top five resolutions for writers to consider adding to their routines this year:

1. Write every day: One of the most important habits that writers can cultivate is the discipline of daily writing. Whether it’s a few hundred words or just a page, setting aside time every day to write will not only help improve your craft, it will also make it easier to get into the flow of writing when it’s time to work on longer projects. Try setting aside a specific time each day for writing: first thing in the morning tends to be popular, or just before bed. By making writing a regular part of your daily routine, you’ll be more likely to stick with it and see progress over time.

2. Set specific goals: Instead of simply resolving to “write more,” try setting specific goals for your writing practice. This could be a word count goal for the year, keeping a daily journal, or an aim to submit your work for publication more frequently. Having specific goals will give you something concrete to strive for and can help you stay motivated throughout the year. For example, if you set a goal to write 500 words per day, you’ll have a clear target to work towards each day. If your goal is to complete a novel within the year, you can break that down into smaller, more manageable goals, like writing one chapter every week.

3. Experiment with new styles and genres: One of the great things about writing is that there are endless ways to tell a story. This year, consider branching out and trying your hand at a new form or genre. This could be something as simple as writing poetry or a short story, or it could be something more ambitious like writing a novel. Experimenting with new forms can help keep your writing fresh and exciting and can also help you discover new strengths and interests as a writer. For example, if you normally write fiction, try writing a personal essay or memoir. By stepping outside your own comfort zone and trying something new, you’ll be able to challenge yourself and grow as a writer.

4. Join a writing group or workshop: Connecting with other writers can be a great way to get feedback, find support, and stay motivated. Consider joining a writing group or workshop, or connect with other writers online. Not only will this provide you with a community to share your work with, but it can also help you learn from others and get new ideas for your own writing. By connecting with other writers, you’ll be able to benefit from the collective knowledge and experience of the group.

5. Read more: Reading is an essential part of any writer’s practice. By exposing yourself to a wide range of genres, you can not only improve your own writings, but also find new sources of inspiration. Make a resolution to read more this year—and look to challenge yourself with books you wouldn’t normally gravitate to. Aim to read at least one book per month or set a goal to read a certain number of chapters per week. By regularly reading the work of other writers, you will be able to learn from their techniques and be exposed to new ideas and perspectives that can inform your own writing.

By implementing these five resolutions into your writing practice, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more productive and successful writer. Check out our 5OE workshops and services to supercharge your writing goals this year!