How to Write - 8/3: Setting Smart, Achievable Goals (But Aim HIGH, Very HIGH) - Part 3
Chapter 6: Setting Goals for Different Genres and Formats
6.1 Adapting Goals for Fiction
Your Characters: Let’s Make Them Real You’re about to create some friends — not just any friends, but the ones who live in your stories. Imagine someone you’d like to meet, what they love, what makes them laugh or cry. Write these down, one small piece at a time. Maybe today, you decide what their favorite food is, and tomorrow, what scares them the most.
Your Plot: It’s Your Adventure Think of your story as a path you’re walking down. You want twists, turns, and surprises, right? Set small goals. Maybe today, decide where your story starts, and tomorrow, imagine a surprise that changes everything. Keep adding pieces, and soon, you’ll have a whole, exciting journey.
Your World: It’s Unique Building a world is like planting a garden. Each day, add something new — a city here, a river there, a tradition or a language. Start with one small thing, and then, day by day, watch as your world grows into something fantastic.
6.2 Goals for Non-Fiction Writers
Research: Gather Your Treasures Think of each fact or story as a gem. Your goal is to find these gems and share them. Maybe start by reading one article or watching a short video. Keep it simple. Little by little, you’ll gather a whole treasure chest of knowledge.
Writing with Impact: Make It Powerful Every word you write can touch someone’s heart or open their mind. Aim to write sentences that stick with people. Maybe today, focus on creating a strong opening line, and tomorrow, work on a conclusion that leaves them thinking.
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6.3 Exploring Poetry and Other Forms
Poetry: Feel and Express Poetry is all about feeling. Write to express joy, sadness, wonder, or love. Start small — maybe today, write about how the morning light looks in your room, or how the evening makes you feel. Let your heart speak in words.
Scriptwriting: Bring Your Scenes to Life Imagine writing a script as directing a play in your mind. Your goal is to make it so vivid that anyone can see it. Write dialogues as if you’re talking to your best friend. Set the scene like you’re painting a picture — simple, clear, and bright.
Short Stories: Tiny Windows into Big Worlds Short stories are quick but powerful. Aim to tell a whole tale in just a few pages. Focus on one main event or feeling, and build around it. Maybe today, sketch out your main character, and tomorrow, decide the twist that will leave readers wanting more.
Writing for Children: Spark Their Worlds Children love stories that make them laugh, think, and dream. Your goal is to create tales that open doors to new worlds. Think about the stories you loved as a kid. What made them special? Use that as a seed and grow a story from there.
Chapter 7: Advanced Goal-Setting Strategies
Setting goals for your writing isn’t just about today or tomorrow; it’s about looking ahead and imagining where you want to be years from now. Here’s how you can craft those dreams into a roadmap.
7.1 Long-Term Visioning
Start with a big dream. Maybe it’s publishing a novel, becoming a journalist, or even starting a blog that turns into a full-time job. Whatever it is, picture it clearly in your mind. Think about what it would look and feel like to achieve this dream. This is your long-term vision.
But big dreams don’t happen overnight. They’re the result of many small steps. Break down your big goal into smaller, more manageable pieces. For example, if you want to publish a novel, your first step might be to write a page a day or finish a chapter each month. If teaching is your end goal, perhaps you start by joining writing groups to share your knowledge or taking a course to improve your skills.
It’s also about understanding the industry you’re aiming for. Want to get published? Research how the publishing process works, understand the market, and maybe start networking with authors and publishers. Interested in teaching? Look into certification requirements or opportunities to gain experience.
Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. Finished a chapter? That’s a win. Sent your first query letter? Another step closer. These small victories keep you motivated and moving forward.
7.2 Adapting Goals as You Grow
As you progress in your writing journey, your skills will improve, your interests might change, and your life circumstances can shift. That means your goals need to evolve too. Regularly reflect on your progress and be honest about what’s working and what’s not.
If you find something isn’t challenging you anymore, it’s time to raise the bar. Maybe you aimed to write 500 words per day and now that’s becoming easy. Why not push it to 750? Or perhaps you’ve been writing short stories but feel ready to tackle a novella or even a novel.
Conversely, if you’re consistently missing a goal, it might be too ambitious. There’s no shame in adjusting downwards to match your current capabilities or life situation. The key is continuous progress, not perfection.
Stay flexible and open to new opportunities. Maybe you started writing fiction but find you have a passion for personal essays. Or perhaps an unexpected chance to collaborate on a project comes your way. Embrace these changes; they’re part of growing as a writer and individual.
Remember, goals are personal. What works for one writer might not work for you. It’s about finding your path and pace. And sometimes, the goal might simply be to keep enjoying the writing process itself, finding joy in the stories you create and share.
By envisioning your long-term goals and adapting them as you grow, you create a dynamic, responsive plan that guides your writing journey. It’s about combining ambition with flexibility, vision with adaptability. Start with your dreams, break them into steps, and keep adjusting as you learn and grow. That’s the pathway to a fulfilling and successful writing life.
Chapter 8: Make Writing a Part of Your Everyday Life
8.1 Keep Writing While Juggling Life
Fitting Writing Into Your Busy Schedule Life is busy, right? You’ve got work, family, maybe school, or other stuff. But you love writing and want to fit it into your day. Let’s talk about how you can do that without feeling swamped. You’ll learn how to sneak writing into your day, like during lunch breaks or right before bed. We’ll look at setting realistic goals, maybe just a few sentences or a paragraph a day. Slowly, you’ll see how these little bits add up without stressing you out.
Creating a Routine That Works for You Every person’s life is different, so your writing routine should be uniquely yours. Maybe you’re an early bird and write best in the morning, or perhaps you’re a night owl and your ideas flow best when everyone else is asleep. Test and learn what times and places work best for you. It could be 15 minutes every morning with your coffee or during your train ride home. Find those little pockets of time, and make them your special writing moments.
8.2 Build a Writing Nest
Your Space Matters Your environment can really affect your writing. Let’s make a space that makes you feel creative and comfortable. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy. Maybe it’s a corner of your room with a comfy chair and a small desk. Or perhaps it’s just clearing off a spot at your kitchen table. Make it inviting — maybe put up a picture that inspires you or keep your favorite books close by.
Surround Yourself with Support People around you can make a huge difference. Share your writing goals with friends or family who get it and will cheer you on. Or find a writing group online or in your community. It’s all about building a network of people who encourage you and understand the ups and downs of writing. They can offer advice, a listening ear, or just a motivational chat when you need it.
Organizing Time and Tools Getting organized can make writing feel less overwhelming. Keep your writing tools — like your laptop, notebooks, or favorite pens — in one place so you’re ready to go when inspiration strikes. And think about your time. Maybe set a small daily goal like “I’ll write for 15 minutes after dinner” or “I’ll finish a page before bed.” It’s all about making small commitments that you can stick to.
Integrating writing into your life isn’t about turning everything upside down; it’s about finding small ways to weave it into your day and make it as natural as breathing. It’s about creating a cozy spot where ideas flow and having people who’ll be on this journey with you. And remember, every word you write is a victory. So, celebrate the small wins, keep at it, and watch how your writing grows alongside your life. Happy writing!
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