Resolutions for Writers

by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael

New Year: a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story? Ultimately 

we write it. The choice is ours.” Alex Morritt

Most people either love the optimism for change that accompanies a new year, or they hate the notion that they must reinvent themselves. The following resolutions aren’t ambitious, but they may spark innovative changes for your writing routine.

Write Weekly

How many of us have resolved to write daily? This isn’t always possible due to multiple reasons such as work schedules, family obligations, or health issues. Routines are worthless if they don’t realistically accommodate our lives. Still, most of us can manage to write weekly. Once I committed to writing at least once each week, I somehow produced more pages per week without the anxiety of a daily obligation. 

Read Daily

Writing archives ideas but reading generates them. This mental exercise activates those creative areas within our minds and subsequently improves our writing as well. Sometimes we are so determined to write to meet a specific goal that we don’t allow sufficient time to read. I liken it to breathing—it is necessary to both inhale and exhale to keep the body alive. Steal a few moments each day to give your mind a break. Social media posts do not count. Prioritize reading things that are edifying and enjoyable. 

Change Your Routine

If you have a set writing routine, you may discover something that works better. Changing where you write or the time you write may be all you need to dig out of a writing rut. Solitary writers may benefit from writing sessions with other authors that increase accountability and productivity. There are multiple approaches to writing. The correct one is the method that works for you. Consider working in places that improve your mood, offer inspiration, or create collaborative ways to enjoy the writing process. 

Schedule Time to Relax

Take the pressure off. Professional ambition should not consume us. Life is short. Enjoy the journey. Successful writers put in the time to write, rewrite, and repeat this cycle. We work hard, but we should also allocate time away from the craft. Raving reviews and awards aren’t satisfying if we forfeit our peace and sacrifice relationships to gain them. Time delegated for hobbies, cultivating friendships, and allowing our minds to breathe enhance productivity, creativity, and the quality of our work.

If the thought of drafting your next article or chapter has become overwhelming, maybe this is the year to reflect on whyyou write. Do you write because this is your chosen profession? Do you have something important to share? Or has your writing become a chore instead of a passion? What motivates you to continue?

Allow this year to inspire fresh ideas and the discovery of new talents. Savor each day on the calendar as a miracle and an opportunity. When we give thanks for each new day, the words we seek will eventually find us.

You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance.

Psalm 65:11 NKJV

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Resolutions for Writers from author @Lilka_Raphael on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

A Florida native, Lilka Finley Raphael has been a licensed pharmacist for over thirty years. Her passions for writing, gardening, and photography prompted her to share her experiences and life lessons on her blogs B Is for Blessed and God, autism, & me. You can learn more about her at lilkaraphael.com

Lilka’s greatest achievements are her two adult sons who have flown the nest. Happily married for thirty-two years, she lives east of Atlanta with her husband, Rod. They now share their home with two German Shepherds—Holly and Ivy—and one naughty kitty, Moxie.