In a recent survey on Twitter a lot of my followers said they’d like me to post more writing advice here on the blog. The following blog post, then, is aimed primarily at those readers who are interested in becoming authors themselves, but a lot of it can be applied to anyone so don’t go clicking away just because you don’t feel there’s a blockbuster inside you waiting to burst out.
In case you missed the news, we’ve just started a brand new year. The whole world has now made the jump over to 2012, the year in which the Mayan people hinted that the very world itself would come to some sort of spectacular end. What better time, then, to set yourself some writing goals? It’s New Year, a fresh start and a time for making resolutions. Also, if the Apocalypse really is imminent, if you don’t get that book written now then you never will.
I’ve made lots of New Year’s Resolutions in my time, and I don’t recall sticking to a single one. What I have stuck to, though, is the goals I’ve set myself. You may not think so, but there’s a big difference between the two. A resolution is a vague promise to yourself: “I’ll get fitter this year” or “I’ll learn a new language” or “I’ll write a great novel”. Resolutions are abstract things that float like butterflies, always just a little out of reach.
Goals, on the other hand, are solid. Goals don’t mess about. Goals are specific, quantifiable things. “I will train to run a 10k race in March” – that’s a goal. “I’ll write a first draft of a novel by 1st of June” – that’s a goal, too. Where a resolution is open to interpretation, a goal isn’t. It’s precise and detailed, and it has a deadline. This helps focus your mind, and a focused mind is much more likely to see a task through to completion.
Goals can sometimes seem overwhelming, though. Writing a first draft of a novel within a few months is a scary thought for many people, which is where Micro Goals come in. Look at your larger goal and break it down. Let’s say you’re setting yourself six months to get your book written, and let’s say you expect the book to come in at around 60,000 words. That’s an easy calculation – 60,000 over 6 months is 10,000 words a month.
That might sound a lot, but it really isn’t. It’s around 2,500 words a week – a little over 350 words a day. I bet everyone can find the time to write 350 words a day. If you can’t squeeze in 350 words a day then maybe now isn’t the right time for you to consider writing a novel. Or maybe you just need to juggle your priorities a bit. I’ve spoken to people who tell me they would love to write a book but don’t have the time. They watch Eastenders, though. They post lots of stuff on Facebook, too. If they cut back on those could they write 350 words in a day? I’m almost positive. Six months later, they’d have written a book.
When you’ve come up with your personal goals, write them down and look at them often. Keep reminding yourself of what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it. Record your progress towards the goal, too. The closer you get towards your goal the more encouraged you’ll feel by your own progress. The more encouraged you are, the easier progress becomes. It’s a win-win.
So, to recap:
1. Set yourself a precise goal with a realistic deadline and write it down.
2. If necessary, break the goal down into smaller “Micro Goals” – a daily/weekly word count is a good start.
3. Look at your written goal regularly so it stays fresh in your mind.
4. Record your progress towards you goal. You could also consider rewarding yourself for reaching certain milestones – whatever it takes to keep you motivated and working towards your overall goal.
I’ve set some goals for myself this year. I’ve got seven in total, but some of them are top secret. I’ll share one with you, though. It’s the first one on my list.
I will write a first draft of “Recomposed” by 13th February.
“Recomposed”, in case you’re wondering, is a completely new idea I’ve had which no-one is paying me to write. It’s the first thing I’ll have written since Mr Mumbles that wasn’t contracted to a publisher in advance, and I’ll talk some more about it in future blog posts.
So that’s one of mine. How about you? What are some of your writing goals for 2012?
Oh, I almost forgot. HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you, and lang may yer lum reek.
My big one is to write at least the first twelve “issues” of my X-Men story, ‘World War X’. Aside from that, I want to write sequels to two completely different novels. And a play. (The play has to be written by the end of March!) It’s possible I have too many goals for the year in terms of writing!
Wow! And I thought I was busy. Do you have plans for them after they’re written? The X-Men story sounds great if you’re writing it for the experience and fun of it, but if it’s to pitch to Marvel then I wouldn’t go writing twelve issues. Write one and then spend the rest of the time working on your own original ideas.
This year my goal is to actually submit some of my poetry to publications. I want to be published before I get my Masters and become a YA librarian. See there, long-term goals too.
I intend to find a cure for Procrastination this year…before it kills me
Also I am going to prove the Mayans wrong. I’m hoping not to be the only one to do this, or I’m going to have a lonely Hogmanay!
The X-Men story is both for fun and to pitch: I’m going to run it as a serial story. I want to write twelve this year (and early this year, too) so I’ll have enough stories to last a year! It’s all a bit of fun, especially given the original characters I’m introducing. Everything’s a little bit crazy in it!
Brandi, I like the sound of your plans! Good luck with them!
Hey Barry,
This is a great post, thanks for writing it. My biggest issue has been – due to my mum getting ill – having to pause my children’s sci-fi adventure book for four months whilst I was 42,000 words in.
I know you understand when I say my world was turned upside by this event and I’m only now feeling I can start to “do my own thing” again after doing a lot of caring, stressing and worrying for and about her. She’s 80% better now, so I’m able to say that over the coming weeks I intend to crack back on and pick up where I left off. The story is powerful, I believe, and it’s stayed with me the whole time begging to be finished…which is a great sign. I’ve also had an idea for two picture books, two short stories and another book…
I’m going to America on February 15th for three weeks so I’m going to pledge right here and now that I will finish the rest of my book by (or before) the same day as you’re finishing yours – Feb 13th. Shall we check back in with each other on that day to see how we get on?
Successful writing to you and hope to meet up for a beverage or three at one of the book festivals in 2012.
Happy new year to you and your family!
Cheers,
Anthony
My main goal for this year is to increase my output of work for children and adults, and therefore attract more readers to my writing. As an indie author.
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