My 2026 Writing Bucket List: How My Creative Goals Have Evolved Over a Decade

From Edie: Explore how a writer’s creative goals evolve over time in this updated 2025 writing bucket list. Discover inspiration, process-focused insights, and practical encouragement for shaping your own writing dreams in the year ahead.

My 2026 Writing Bucket List: How My Creative Goals Have Evolved Over a Decade

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Do you have a writing bucket list?

I do. I started one back in 2014, and I even wrote about it here on The Write Conversation in a post titled One Writer’s Bucket List. I’ve kept up with my list over the years, but until recently, I’d forgotten that I’d actually shared it publicly.

So why write a new one?

Because so much—so much—has changed since that first list. Ten years in a writer’s life is practically a lifetime of growth, surprises, open doors, closed doors, and holy pivots. I think revisiting a writing bucket list every decade or so isn’t just acceptable…it’s healthy. We should pay attention to how our dreams shift with life, ministry, and maturity.

And shift they have.

One of the biggest changes in my list is that it has moved from being accomplishment focused to process focused. That shift alone has brought a tremendous amount of peace. Being judged—especially by myself—based on what I produce or achieve can be exhausting…and more than once, a little disheartening.

But a bucket list rooted in who you want to become and how you want to live the writing life?

That’s a list that can grow with you.

My 2026 Writing Bucket List

1. Write and travel with my husband, Kirk Melson.

This one brings me so much joy because it’s actually happening. Kirk once penned a humor column here called How Writing Ruined My Wife. Now he joins Cynthia Cavanaugh and me in creating daily Bible commentary for Stop2Read. Sharing ministry and creativity with him is a gift I don’t take for granted.

2. Write a book my grandkids will enjoy.

With three grandchildren lighting up my world, I feel tugged toward writing something just for them. I’ve never written for children before, but it’s becoming a treasured goal.

3. Cheer more writers into their publishing dreams.

One of the greatest discoveries of my career is realizing how much delight I find in encouraging other writers. Helping someone take the next step—or believe the next step exists—never gets old.

4. Find a publisher for my devotional pairing my photography with spiritual meditations.

This project feels deeply “me”—words and images woven together in worship. I continue to pray for the right publishing partner.

5. Make the New York Times Bestseller list.

Yes, it’s still here. And yes, it still makes me grin.

6. Watch one of my books become a movie.

A big dream, but why not leave room for God-sized surprises?

My list is shorter than it once was. Partly because I’ve accomplished things I once believed were unreachable. But also because I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that big achievements don’t always bring the long-term satisfaction I imagined.

Each published book brings joy, yes—but also the fear that the next one won’t measure up. Each new contract is a blessing—but also an invitation to more expectation, more deadlines, more pressure.

I wouldn’t trade any of it. I love what I do.

But loving it doesn’t mean it isn’t work.

And it doesn’t mean it satisfies the deeper places in my soul.

So let’s talk about what does.

Writing Practices That Bring Lasting Joy

1. Watching God work in, through, and around me.

The creative life is a front-row seat to His faithfulness.

2. Becoming friends with some of my writing heroes—and staying close to those who started the journey with me.

This community is one of the sweetest gifts of this calling.

3. Learning how to write with God instead of simply for Him.

This shift changed everything—my creativity, my confidence, and my joy.

4. Encouraging writers and witnessing their growth and success.

There is nothing like seeing someone step boldly into their calling.

5. Serving as Director of the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference.

This role continues to stretch me, bless me, and deepen my love for the writing community.

6. Being part of this blog—and the incredible community of writers and readers who make it a joy.

The Write Conversation has become a second home.

These are my reflections on a 2025 writer’s bucket list.

Now I’d love to hear yours.

What dreams are stirring in your heart this year? What writing hopes are you carrying into the future?

Share in the comments below—your list might encourage someone else to start one of their own.

Don't forget to join the Conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

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My 2026 Writing Bucket List: How My Creative Goals Have Evolved Over a Decade from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Edie uses the truths God has taught her as an author, photographer, and blogger to encourage others. She’s learned to embrace the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. As a sought-after speaker, she’s empowered and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others call on God’s strength during challenging times, often using creativity to empower this connection. She also knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences, and workshops on ways to use creativity to help strengthen our connection with God. 

She and husband Kirk have been married 43+ years with three grown sons and four grandchildren. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found with their big black dog hiking the mountains.