Now is the time to set your New Years Resolution Writing Goals 2022. And, it’s time to learn how to achieve them, head on. Every year, we make resolutions, and many of us fall short, or remain lost in a post-it note blizzard of unmet desires. Sounds depressing, doesn’t it? But it doesn’t need to be.

Learning from your Failure

We all get overly excited about the kernel of an idea and want to jump right in. Acting too quickly before learning the process of successfully writing, then you fail.

I can hear the groans, and I am there with you. Really. We all want that magic, plug and play formula to spit out our fantastic ideas. Sadly, there isn’t anything like that. BUT! There are Writing Bones that can teach your the basics and then you can move up to the next level when you are ready. More on that in a later post.

Writing is hard work, and learning how to write is no different than any other skill you have Mastered.

Make a list of your failures – or –
Finding another path to enlightenment

If you try to solve a problem the same way with the same result then you are doomed to failure—period. I had to be honest with myself: I didn’t understand the writing process. But I didn’t want to spend YEARS learning it. Yep, still looking for the magic writing wand. I had for FORCE myself to want this new career so badly, that I’d be willing to spend time learning from other successful authors.

Finding your Spark

I sought out articles, spent hours of reading, watching videos and webinars — looking for the spark of understanding. Many said the same verbiage, as if it were canned and dolled out with the same community spoon.

I finally tried an unknown (to me) author, Chris Fox, unless you are a Fantasy Military Sci-fi reader, and he brought me into the light. His way of approaching the basic principals of writing came from his struggle through the process. Yes! There is was, a tiny flame of understanding. However, I didn’t want the spark to go out. So, instead of jumping into my writing, I kept reading, watching videos, practicing to test my knowledge and understanding.

This time, I not only learned but UNDERSTOOD. The flicker turned to a flame and then, a fire. Yes, the embers cool at times, but the fire is there and I am never letting it go out!

So. What can you do in 2022 that will propel you to your dream of becoming a best-selling author?

1. BELIEVE that your GOAL WILL happen.

You must believe in your goal, otherwise you will continually fail. Don’t say “I’d like to be a best selling author.” Instead say, “I will be a best-selling author THIS YEAR.” Set a goal and WHEN you want to accomplish it. Then, write down how you can make that happen, and if it doesn’t, then evaluate and find out what stopped you and how to rectify it.  This is your AUTHOR BUSINESS PLAN. Make it, do it, Succeed.

2. Seek out sharing/writing forums

Find authors who are truly interested in sharing and helping you (not just there to pick your brain on writing and publishing — or to find a shortcut.) Writing is HARD work; Every Author from You to Stephen King face writing roadblocks. But there is one difference between them and you — These GOLDEN writers have someone in their corner — to cheer them on, and to HELP. Yes, your family will cheer, but they are not writers — they don’t understand the writing temperament, the drive, the frustration and blockage.

Authors who treat their writing as a CAREER don’t just want to succeed, they believe they will succeed, AND will be your cheerleaders when the writing devils start knocking on your door. We’ve all been there, and can understand.

Encouragement can move mountains.

3. To learn to write well, read well-written books.

This cannot be over emphasized. While not all best-sellers, in my opinion, deserve to be,  if you read a best-selling author’s first book, published by a TOP traditional publishing company, odds are it will be well-written and have all the story elements to sell. Otherwise, the publisher would not have chosen them, right?

4. Read A LOT of books from your GENRE.

If you want to WRITE in a certain GENRE, then you need to READ that genre. And No, Movies aren’t the same as writing, though can teach you a lot. Readers expect certain elements in their chosen genre and if you do it wrong, then your readers will tell you — harshly, then leave a bad review and all you’ll hear regarding sales are crickets.

LEARN what your readers EXPECT in a book. Don’t plagiarize or copy best-sellers, but write down what you liked, in each, what drew your attention, and then take these tropes and write your own story.

Writing is Hard Work

You WILL fail along the way, make a lot of mistakes, but with each step, you improve and will meet every single GOAL. If you don’t believe me, then perhaps you’ll trust Prince Leia (paraphrased):

“Only YOU can choose YOUR path. Nobody can choose it for YOU.”

Coming Soon: How I got out of my Rut and found Writing Bliss! (Almost…)

So, Choose as Wisely as Indiana Jones,

Enjoy the day!

Suz