Mark Twain once said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
It is excellent advice from one of America’s most respected thinkers. Yet, it makes no sense to “get started” if you don’t know where you’re going.
As a writer, one of your goals must be to write. That’s the only way your words get seen and interpreted the way you want. But starting out the new year with a vague goal of, “I will write,” or, “I will write more,” sets you on a path to failure from the get-go.
Your most powerful tool isn’t your pen or keyboard—it’s your plan. Strategic planning transforms scattered writing dreams into achievable goals, turning potential dreams into tangible progress. When you set goals you can measure for your writing, you will see that tangible progress, and the more progress you make, the more exciting and real your writing goal becomes.
Does the idea of planning out your writing for 2025 excite you, or does it make you want to snooze? You might think that creativity can only exist outside of a rigid structure – in order to let creativity thrive, it must not be restricted.
But writing without a detailed plan will only lead to chaos. If you write only when the muse strikes or only when you’re in the mood or only when an idea hits you, you are not driving the ship. Your muse is, and she is not reliable.
In a recent weekly newsletter, author Hope Clark brilliantly addressed the difference between a writer and a hobbyist:
“The [writing] habit is not easy to establish. Yes, I am one who preaches that you write daily, not when the mood strikes you. That’s for hobbyists. If that’s what you want to be, then fine. Just decide and quit straddling the fence.”
Planning isn’t about restricting creativity; it’s about creating a supportive framework that nurtures your writing journey. Think of your writing plan like a GPS: it doesn’t eliminate the adventure; it ensures you’re moving in the right direction.
So how does one go about creating a writing plan? It starts with setting realistic goals. If you want to write a full-length novel in 3 months and you’ve never written a novel, that goal is not realistic. However, if you want to write a full-length novel in 2025, that goal might be possible – with specific milestones in place to guide you along the journey (your “GPS”).
Key Elements of an Effective Writing Plan
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Realistic Goal Setting
- Define specific, measurable writing objectives
- Break large goals into manageable monthly/quarterly milestones
- Example: “Complete first draft of novel” becomes “Write 500 words daily”
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Skill Development Strategies
- Identify 2-3 writing skills you’d like to improve in 2025. Examples include establishing a consistent writing practice, improving dialogue, understanding the components of a strong plot, etc.
- Schedule regular learning activities (workshops, courses, reading). Follow my newsletter for upcoming workshops and courses. I also recommend checking out The Writers Bridge, Hippocampus Magazine, Diablo Writers Workshop and Poets & Writers for unique writing opportunities, classes and workshops. And recently, I shared this post on 8 of the best books for writers. There are many ways to learn, and there is always something new to learn.
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Consistent Practice Routine
- Create a sustainable writing schedule. Understand your unique writing style and circumstances. Customize your goals to fit your lifestyle. Then, commit to writing consistently, even if it’s just 5-15 minutes daily. Consistency builds confidence and develops a sustainable writing practice.
- Establish non-negotiable writing times. If you share these non-negotiables with others in your close circle, they can act as forces of accountability, helping you stay on track and stay committed to when you say you are going to write.
- Build accountability through tracking systems. I keep a simple spreadsheet where I track the date and word count. The more I add to the spreadsheet, the more I literally see my writing progress. You can also use a tracking app, such as WriteChain (Tracks word counts and daily writing streaks), Write on Track (Sets daily word count goals and sends reminders) or WriteOMeter (Tracks word count, provides timers, and allows data export).
Most Importantly, Get Started
A plan is a living document. It should inspire, not intimidate. Because it is a living document, it’s important to embrace imperfection in your planning process. Remember, showing up is more important than creating perfect prose every time. Set your goals, establish milestones, and then start writing. One of my favorite pieces of writing advice comes from the western fiction writer, Louis L’amour: “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until faucet is turned on.”
Start writing. You can tweak your plan as you go. Treat your 2025 writing plan as a commitment to yourself and your creative potential.
On Jan. 11, 2025, I am hosting a one-hour webinar, “Create Your 2025 Writing Plan,” where we’ll dive into a lot more detail about crafting a personalized writing plan that will carry you through 2025. Learn more and sign up here.
Most importantly, if you want to write more or improve your writing skills in 2025, the single best thing you can do right now is to get started. Don’t wait. There will never be a perfect time to start writing. You can do it. Go it alone if you want, or sign up for my upcoming webinar to dive deeper. When you register for the webinar, you’ll also receive worksheets to help you clarify your writing goal(s) and track your writing progress throughout the year.
However you go about it, here’s to making 2025 the year that you make real progress on your writing. I’ll be writing right along with you. Let’s make it happen!
