Happy New Year!: Writing Resolutions for 2024

 

The new year is almost here. Maybe you're contemplating your new year's resolutions right now. Many of us set the usual ones: eat healthier, exercise more, reduce stress. It is also a good time to consider your writing resolutions. Though you can do this any time throughout the year, January often inspires and motivates us. 

Here are some resolutions for writers:

Read More

Reading is a more fun way of saying market research. Read, especially in the genre you write, so you can learn what is selling well in your genre and where your book would fit into the market. This will also allow you to check out book covers and titles and how these books are marketed. While there is more to market research than this, reading more books is a good start.

Create a Regular Writing Schedule

Creating a regular writing schedule encourages the discipline of writing. If it didn't work, why would NaNoWriMo be so popular? The reason I don't say create a daily writing schedule is because that might not be realistic for everyone. But, whether you have one day, three days, or seven days available to write each week, sticking to your schedule will encourage you to write more.

Find an Accountability Partner

Often called writing buddies, these fellow writers keep us accountable and help us reach our goals. When I joined a local writing group, we were expected to bring a chapter with us to read each meeting. No one wanted to be the person without a chapter. Regular check-ins with your accountability partner will keep you on track.

What are some writing resolutions you are setting for 2024? How are you planning to succeed in the new year?

Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and award-winning editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she is a member of SCBWI and lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's website at https://ccmalandrinos.com or her children’s book blog at https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com

Creating A Startup or Business Plan for Your Writing Career

 

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

If you decided to start a small business, one of the initial steps would be to create a detailed business plan that would include the business concept, product and services, marketing, operations, organization and management, financial planning, and industry growth. 

So, why do so many writers skip this important aspect of starting and planning a writing career? 

In order for any business to succeed, there has to be a written plan. Now, that plan can change over time, but few entrepreneurs succeed by treating their businesses like a pot of spaghetti cooking on the stove: throwing a noodle at the wall to see if it sticks. 

The startup plan is a trimmer version of a business plan. Since a writing business may be simpler in nature than other types of businesses--at least in terms of what needs to be considered--this approach might be helpful. 

A startup plan will include:

• Goals - S.M.A.R.T. goals to provide direction and motivation
• Resources - capital, technology, personnel, and time
• Market analysis - knowing your target market and how to reach them
• Competition analysis - understanding your competition and how to set yourself apart
• Financials - money needed to start, projected income, and projected expenses

Even if you are well into your writing career and want to increase your income potential, a streamlined plan could be helpful. 

Now is the perfect time to put together your 2024 business or startup plan. You can find a multitude of examples and some free templates online to help. 

Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and award-winning editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A blogger and book reviewer, she is a member of SCBWI and lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three adult children. Visit Cheryl's website at https://ccmalandrinos.com or her children’s book blog at https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com