2018 has come to an end and 2019 is upon us! It is the start of a new chapter in our book of life. But the question is, what are you going to write in it?
In this short blog, I am going to give you a few suggestions for New Year’s resolutions and then offer some tips on accomplishing those resolutions. Some may be obvious, others not so much. We’re already half-way through January (*le gasp*), but that doesn’t meant it’s too late to make some resolutions!
Time’s a wastin’; let’s hop to it! First, the obvious:
1. FINISH THAT BOOK
I know you all have outstanding writing projects that you want completed. However, do you know how you plan to complete them? Are you going to go all in at once or take it a little bit at a time?
Resolution 1 Suggestions:
It’s January, so start planning! Give yourself a deadline right away. Let’s say I want book 3 done by September of 2019. That gives me nine months to let this baby grow and develop. (No puns there). What I would do is plan out my schedule month by month with charts and mini-goals within. Give yourself baby steps to reach and by the end of it, you’ll be running.
2. GROW YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWING
Get out there! Let readers know about your work. So how do you grow your social media?
Resolution 2 Suggestions:
Post consistently; keep that feed growing!
Make connections. Contact people, make friends! That’s the best way to grow in an organic following and in your own writing community.
3. TAKE MORE CARE OF YOURSELF
Whoa, this one seems quite different than the others. In fact, this is the most important.
Before I explain, ask yourself these questions:
How much did I stress over my book this past year?
Did I fill my life only with work work work and not focus on taking care of my own mind?
Were there times where I hated writing more than I loved it?
These are legitimate questions that you need to honestly answer. For me, I tend to stress way too much about my books and writings especially with starting SF Publishing. But sometimes we take it a bit too far and end up hurting ourselves more than we help ourselves. This year, I really want you to focus on taking the time to care for yourself.
Resolution 3 Suggestions:
If you feel like you’re stressing about your book, leave it alone for a while. Take a break. Meditate. Pray. Talk to a writer friend or get some advice. Whatever it is to alleviate stress (as long as it’s a moral, healthy way).Working while you’re on edge does not always produce the best result. Breathe in deeply and try again.
Make time to read. I know for me I feel like I do not read at all. A mini resolution for me this year is to read more books. I’ve probably read about seven books this past year which is a breaking-record for me. That might seem terrible to some of you, but for me that’s great. With my long commutes to work and back and then my online college assignments, I managed to make a little time but not enough. I want to triple that number at least. Reading is the best research.
Finally, don’t give up on yourself. I know that a lot of times we doubt ourselves and compare our work to others. I really want you to do less of that this year. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again;
be inspired, not intimidated.
Everyone’s work is different. Let the world inspire you and motivate you, not drag you down. Stay positive and tell yourself, “My work is amazing. I’ve got this.”
These are my 3 resolutions for you. I know that you can accomplish them. If you need further advice or tips throughout this year, let me know! I’m always happy to help.
Happy New Year!