Last time, we kicked off the final month of 2021 by exploring ways to set new writing goals in 2022. Below are a few more ideas to get your head in the game this coming year.
Always Be Thinking
We are surrounded by people, places, and events that have the possibility of inspiring and evolving into stories. As you go about your day, observe and later write down what you experienced that was noteworthy. Did something happen to you at work or school that could be the basis of a storyline? Did your kid say something funny that would work great in a script?
By being aware of the real world around us, we can create stronger and more grounded stories.
Work To Write Every Day
To write more, write better, and write longer, you need to make it a habitual ritual in your daily routine. Whether it’s for 30 minutes, an hour, or two hours, work to fit time into your daily schedule to write. Even if you write about your day, an experience you had, or on your big writing project, you are still working to develop your skills as a writer.
Numerous websites offer hundreds of writing prompts that can help you focus on what to write if you need assistance. The key is to commit to writing every day and stick to it. With each daily writing session, you’ll be amazed at how your writing skills grow.
Here’s a link to an article featuring 100 creative writing prompts from Writer’s Digest.
Have Side Projects Just In Case
I always like to have another writing project or two on the side if I hit a brick wall with my current project. The solution should never be closing the laptop and skimming through YouTube videos on your phone. A more productive way to deal with this issue is to have another project you can focus on.
I prefer that the second project is in a different genre and even another medium. For example, if I’m writing a novel that’s action-adventure, I’ll have a play that’s a comedy to work on as well. This gives your brain a rest and can actually help you subconsciously resolve issues you’re having with the primary project as you work on the secondary one.
Stay Positive
You’re going to have tough writing days. You’re going to get writers’ block of some kind. You’re going to have personal things pop up that distract you. But when you’re at the desk, the table, or wherever you write, you have to have a positive mindset. You will get the writing done. You will get something on the page. Even if it’s not quality work, it; ’s still work you completed and can fix later.
Don’t get discouraged with the process. If you have issues with a story, step back and figure out why. Write down why you think the story or a character isn’t working (that still counts as writing).
The key is to not allow negative self-talk and other internal forces to win the creative war. Push yourself through the blocks, the doubt, and the problems, and you will come out the other side with work you can be proud of.
Stay Focused
It’s hard in 2021 – and soon 2022 – to disappear from the world and just focus on your writing. It can be hard to shut the world out and focus with social media, the news, COVID, family, friends, work, and doom and gloom seemingly lurking around every corner.
I recommend finding a chaos-free zone where you have your phone off, your wi-fi off, and as few external distractions as possible when you sit down to write. You can fact-check your story later if you need to.
This is your time to escape the real world and live in your fictional universe with your characters and story. I can guarantee that you will not miss world peace being achieved or a cure for all illnesses being discovered while you’re hunkered down writing.
Give yourself the permission and the time to focus, and you will be glad you did.
Have Fun!
This is the most essential aspect of writing. You have to have fun with it. You’re not writing 500-word essays for your high school literature class; you’re writing a novel, a screenplay, a play, short stories, poems, or non-fiction. This is the fun stuff. Enjoy the creative ride.
I believe that the passion, excitement, and joy you have while writing translates off the page to the reader or viewer. Creative writing shouldn’t be a torturous affair; it should be fun, invigorating, energizing.
While there is plenty of hard work involved, it’s work that should be approached from a positive place, not one of dread or resentment. Go into each writing session open-minded, ready to write, and have a good time.
I hope these tips help you plan out your writing goals for 2022. I know that I will make a concerted effort to write every day, complete multiple projects, and stay focused on creating fun, positive, creative writing experiences each time I start a new writing session.
Happy New Year, Happy Writing, and I’ll be back with more articles in 2022!