New Years Resolutions For Every Writer

Well, it’s that time of year again. We have all no doubt over-indulged during the festive period, and now, having parked our writing and guzzled on mulled wine and mince pies for weeks on end, we are feeling ready to make some fantastic New Years writing resolutions fresh for 2017.

Now I don’t know about you, but every year I make the same promises to myself. Sometimes I keep them and sometimes I don’t. They tend to be promises such as ‘ I will get up half and hour earlier and write every morning’ or ‘I will write a chapter of my new book every week.’

I’m not saying these goals aren’t worthy or admirable, but often, come January the 14th I find myself failing to achieve them, and then feeling like I have let myself down before the year has even properly begun.

So this year I have come up with some different writing resolutions. Ones that I think I have a better chance of sticking to, and will hopefully make my life easier, my writing time more enjoyable, and make me a happier, healthier and better writer too!

So here they are:

Don’t beat yourself up about not writing

Instead of resolving to write more, edit on the go, or have a certain number of words finished each day, this year I have decided to go a little easier on myself. I want writing to continue to be a great joy in my life, therefore while I hope to write as much as possible in 2017, if I have days where I want to drink wine and watch a cheesy film instead I am going to do so - guilt free!

Focus on what you love

Do you ever find yourself writing what you think other people will want to read, instead of what you love to write about? I am definitely guilty of that. Well not anymore! This year I intend to indulge myself and write about all the weird and wonderful things that I find fascinating and intriguing about the world. Hopefully, others will enjoy it too, but if not at least I am doing what I love.

Share your writing more

Sharing one’s writing can be daunting, and it’s very easy to keep our writing to ourselves. It can be tough receiving criticism (however constructive) but sharing your writing with others can be an enjoyable experience and help you to improve your writing too. It can also lead to brilliant things like publishing deals. So let’s all resolve to do it more in 2017.

Believe in yourself

I am a good writer. There I said it (I am ignoring the voice inside that is laughing at me with a huge mocking grin and the other one that is cringing away and wants the earth to swallow me whole). Believing in yourself doesn’t have to be arrogant or ridiculous. Look at yourself in the mirror and say ‘I am a good writer.’ Then say it to a colleague or a friend. Then say it to anyone who you think should know. Go on; I dare you.

Read more books

Reading books is a true pleasure and can help us writers no end. Reading inspires and excites me so 2017 will be a year of devouring great books, of all different types, as often as possible!

Say yes more

Make 2017 a year where you do some things you normally wouldn’t, where you take yourself out of your comfort zone a little. Saying yes more can lead to great adventures that are screaming to be written about, so be a little braver this year and see where it takes you.

So, with 2017 just around the corner are you thinking about making some writing resolutions for the New Year? If so good luck with them and here’s to a productive and successful writing year!

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

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