Start the New Year Off Right with These Best Tips for Writers

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I love beginning something new, and the New Year falls right in with that excitement. I feel like I have the chance to do better, be better, and experience more. 

But I’ve also learned that to do those things, I need a little prep work. And me—being me—that involves making a list. 

So today I’m sharing the things I’m going to try to do to make 2025 my best writing year yet!

10 Things to Make This Writing Year Better

• 1. Pray More. I’m going to spend more time praying for my writing, for my readers, for me, and especially for other writers. 

• 2. Respect My Call to Write. For me, this means setting aside regular time to write. Not read about writing, attending meetings or conferences, teach other writers, but to actually write!

• 3. Block Out My Creative Time. I’ve discovered the time of day when I’m most creative is in the early morning—before lunch. So I’ll be less accessible then for meetings, email, etc. Instead I’ll be spending my time creating. 

• 4. Deny the Lies the Voices in My Head Tell Me. I am truly my own worst enemy. My mind can come up with more reasons why I shouldn’t, couldn’t, and won’t than anyone else. I’ve learned to combat these lies with God’s truth and I’ll be more consistent about doing just that. 

• 5. Engage in Accountability with Other Writers. No one can do this writing thing in a vacuum. We need each other. I’ll be leaning into my community of fellow writers to hold me accountable to do the things in this list. 

• 6. Let God Set My Priorities. I’m tired of choosing good, when God wants only the best for me. This means learning to say no. And that’s not an easy thing for this people-pleasing gal!

• 7. Allow God to Fill My Creative Well. As I’ve often said, it’s not possible to pour water out of an empty bucket. When I let my creative well run dry it’s because I’m not spending enough time with God. 

• 8. Learn Something New. The world is changing at lightning speed and it’s my responsibility to make staying current a priority. The biggest thing I need to learn this year will be how to incorporate AI ethically and efficiently. (So expect some blog posts about that in the year to come.)

• 9. Write for Fun. All work and no play isn’t good for anyone. So I try to make time to “play” with words. That could mean writing poetry, try a new genre, write for a new outlet—the options are endless. 

• 10. Encourage Other Writers. We should never become too knowledgeable or too busy to give a hand out to those who are coming after us. I try to stay as active in my local writing groups as possible. This makes sure I’m training my replacements, and what the world would see as my competition. In truth, God’s kingdom doesn’t have any competition. There is plenty of work to go around!

I hope these 10 things encourage you to make your own list. And I’d love to know what you’d add to this list. Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. 

Don’t Forget to Join the Conversation!

Blessings

Edie

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Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.