In honor of the recent New Year, let’s talk writing goals. Specifically, creating realistic and achievable writing goals.

How much should you aim to write in one day? How often should you write? What happens when you fall behind? Below I’ve outlined the steps on not only how to create achievable 2021 writing goals, but how to build healthy writing habits for years to come!

See those two awesome nerds right there? I’m the one taking the awkward selfie in public and the other, who is actually focused on what she should be doing, is my sister. We get together to work on Saturday mornings whenever possible, and even though we are technically on opposite ends of the content spectrum — an author frantically trying to put down words, and an editor gleefully cutting them out — it’s still incredible how much she pushes me to do better, be better.

I only have one thing to say to you — DON’T LET MONDAY WIN! It is a vile, devious day, but we shall prevail! While there is no reward I can offer you to soften the blow, there are several coping mechanisms I’ve come to rely on that will hopefully help you as much as they help me.

Godspeed, my friends. See you on the other side.

if you are reading this, you’ve made it to day two! Whether you met your goal yesterday or not, you are back at the computer to tackle another 1,667 words today, which means you are AWESOME. Here are a few tips to keep you pushing, even though it is Saturday, your brain is tired, and Netflix is calling your name.

I’ve broken down the most common beginning steps that authors skip when starting a novel and how working through these initial phases will help you prepare as you start to plot or write, and continue to support your story all the way through pitching and publication.