Writing Tips: Setting Goals

Hello everyone. As promised, I'm back with some fun and functional tips on writing.

TOPIC: Setting Writing Goals

For many people, the first hurdle to writing comes in finding the time and motivation to actually do it. Fear not, friends. Even those with the busiest of schedules can find the time to write.

Start small. Writing goals don't have to be huge, grandiose aims. They can be as simple as a certain word count for the day (or week). Beginning with this small step allows you to get a feel for what it's like to write on a schedule. Once you have you desired daily or weekly word goal in mind, sit down with your work schedule and any other obligations you have. This next part is key; find places, fifteen minutes here, half an hour there in your day where you can devote yourself to writing. It can be while on your lunch break, before the kids get home from school. Finding these little slivers of time in your day will put you well on your way to reaching your goal.

Once you've been successful in meeting your smaller goals, you can take the next step and expand it to monthly goals. This is no different than the steps you've already taken. Simply, set a goal for the month and plan out your writing each day or week accordingly. It really is simple once you've got the first building block down.

I'm sure some of you are wondering how you go about finishing an entire novel. Setting achievable goals for yourself is a really good place to start. Remember, your monthly goals can be to get a certain percentage of a piece written. The key to this strategy is to set aside time each day. Those little chunks of time add up quickly and you'll find you can churn out more product in the same amount of time.

On that note, there is a great tool to get you in the writing spirit. The awesome Dr. Wicked has created a program called Write or Die which allows you to write in a confined amount of time. It's a great (albeit slightly high pressure) way to get words written. No reliable or constant internet connection? No worries. He's created a desktop version for $10. No computer? Still no worries. Carry a pad and pen with you EVERYWHERE! Seriously, do it. That way you have something to write on at all times.

The above method of writing a little each day isn't for everyone. Take it and make it work for you. Goal setting really is about getting the push to get things done. And who doesn't love the satisfaction of meeting a goal?

As for me, my writing goals for the new year include writing three new novels. You can bet I've got my monthly goals all set out. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for dropping by! I'll see you next week for a new writing tip.