According to several online sources, it seems that approximately 40-45% of folks make new year’s resolutions. Sadly, it’s also reported that approximately 60% fail at keeping them.
As a writer, do you make resolutions?
Several years back, the moderator of my online critique group challenged the members to submit their writing and writing related goals for the coming year. As a member of the group, at first I struggled a little. What was the difference between a goal and a resolution?
What I discovered was that my goals were quite specific and focused:
- Revise the last five chapters of my novel and submit it to my critique group next month.
- Draft a query letter and send it to (insert name of publisher here) the week my critique group goes over my chapters.
- By the end of January, finish the second act of the play that my drama group will be performing in the spring.
- Pick three agents from my list of potential agencies to query.
Everything was quite specific.
Had I made a list of resolutions I fear they would have been very similar to those made by many who fail to see them through:
- Write more everyday
- Read more books
- Start or keep a journal
- Pick your platform
- Join a writing group
These are all very respectable but since they aren’t as specific (no deadlines or set amounts) that it’s much easier for them to fail.
So this year, are you going to make a list of resolutions or are you going to set some writing goals?