Welcome to 2020 everybody! Here’s hoping it is a year of success and happiness for us all. The start of a new year you always comes with a bunch of new resolutions and goals. Which is why I start every year with a post about how to achieve your writing goals – it works for me, and hopefully it’ll work for you too.
Learn more about the craft
The imagination is a muscle that must be exercised, and writing is a skill that can be honed. There are loads of different ways to learn the writing craft, and almost none of them involve being stuck in a class room. Reading, writing and editing regularly are all ways you can practice your craft and grow to be a better writer.
Fight away your writing worries
Worry, worry, worry. Doubt, doubt, doubt. We writers are good at this. But the problem is, when we doubt our words, worry about rejection and fret over word counts we actually hinder our progress. Learn to beat your writers worries, so you can focus on your storytelling instead.
Find a critique partner
I speak frequently and fondly about critique partners. These are the amazing people who will read your work, give honest feedback and genuine support. In turn, you get to be that person for them too. It’s the perfect way to make a friend who understands the world of writing, to avoid loneliness in a solitary hobby and to improve and grow as a writer.
Remain loyal to your work in progress
How often have you been tempted away by your current project by a new and exciting idea? It’s so easy to give up when things get tough and be lured into the trap set by a spark of inspiration. But remaining loyal to your work in progress is the only way to get it finished.
Know when to stop planning and just write
I learned this year that sometimes you can get caught up in planning. And while it can be helpful to have a plan, it can also put a delay on your actual writing. Sometimes you need to put down the planning sheets and just write. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, let plot holes happen and don’t worry about writing poorly. Just write. Edit later.
As I said at the start, I really do wish you all a year of success. Share your tips for writing success below!
And until then,
Keep writing,
M
x
M.L. Davis Writer 
I need to do better with my little critique group. I’ve fallen behind on writing, so don’t have anything to offer for the next session. Might have to sit out. Need to get back to drafting!
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You’ll get there 🙂 These lulls do happen x
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I don’t have any success tip to offer yet so all I can offer you is a wish of good luck.
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Thank you, Tomas! Back at you x
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Thanks for the great reminders!
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On point.
Happy New Year!
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Thank you, you too! x
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Happy New Year, Meelie! What a great post to kick off 2020 with 😊.
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Thank you! xx
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All excellent points, Meelie. Letting our fears get the best of us is something we all struggle with, a writing group or feedback from a critique partner is always a great boost.
How is your latest WIP coming along?
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Thanks Rainy! My WIP is pretty slow going, having some issues with the plot…but hoping it smooths out soon. How’s all yours getting on? x
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I’m nearing the end of edits on Crown of Lies – this part needs lots of work.
And I have the plot for my next WIP, but I’m still trying to figure out the characters.
There’s no rush, enjoy the process and know that you’re an amazing writer. Xx
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Thank you Rainy! So excited to hear you’re figuring out characters for another book, I already can’t wait to read it! x
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Thanks for the inspiration. I remember reading somewhere the difference between wanting to be a writer and being a writer is just to WRITE, which I’m trying to do this year. Gotta keep fighting that inner critic.
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Have a wonderful writing year ❤ you'll do great! x
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