How to Set Intentional Goals for Your Writing Life

DO YOU HAVE A "WRITING" GPS?
     If you are going on a road trip, on your way to an exciting adventure at a place you've never been before, what is one of the first things you do before you leave your driveway?
     You set up your GPS with the address for your destination.  Why? So, you can get to where you are going, of course! 
     Seems simple.  We do it all the time.  But if you're a writer, have you ever thought to set up your writing "GPS" before you sit down to write?  And I'm not just talking about word count and plotting.  Because there is so much more to consider to really set yourself up for success in your writing journey. Here are some questions to get your started! 
3 SHORT-TERM GOAL QUESTIONS:

• What projects am I currently working on, and what is my timeline for completing them? 
  • You might have already started your writing journey but it's not too late to think about your goals.  Now that you have an understanding of what it is to be a writer, these questions will help you focus.   I would even recommend revisiting these questions every 6 months to make adjustments if needed. 
• What genre am I writing in, and does it align with my interest and audience?
  • Are you writing in a particular genre because it's popular? Or because you are passionate about the story you have to tell? Can it be both? Of course!  Your story has an audience that will love what you write! 
• What writing routines or habits would help me stay consistent?
  • Some of us like routine and can build good writing habits easily.  Others find it harder.  But honestly ask yourself--are there routines or habits that could help me be more consistent in my writing life?  Think of one or two and focus on those first.  Here are two that worked for me: 
    • Turn off distractions-phone and TV especially.  Even consider technology that removes the temptation of the internet and do your research intentionally later!
    • Find your ideal writing time and make it sacrosanct whether you find yourself in a time of writer's block or not.  SIT DOWN and put something on the page! 

​3 LONG-TERM GOAL QUESTIONS:

• What kind of writer do I want to be known as in 5-10 years?
  • You can think big! It's OK.  Because where you want to be will dictate the steps you need to get there.  
• Do I want to write full-time, part-time, or keep it as a creative outlet?
  • There is no right or wrong answer to this question--and it can change over time.  But what feels right to you, right now?
• Is there a passion project I've been putting off that I want to pursue?
  • Are you writing to earn a living but still not doing what you are passionate about?  Take some time to think about this and if there is a project you have been afraid to start, carve out a day or two to try it out.  It may be that it will re-energize all of your writing life!

These are just a sampling of the questions that will help you set intentional goals for you writing life.  Want to see more?  Click on the link below to learn more about the Author Essential Toolkit and all the practical tools you need to run your author business!
wakeley3.gumroad.com/l/kqxzot

I hope these questions will jumpstart your thinking about your short-term and long-term writing goals!  Keep writing! 

Nancy
Author of the Kate Tyler Series
​Creator of the Author Essential Toolkit

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