Kickstart Your Writing Journey in 2026
- J.H. Jones
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Starting to write can feel overwhelming, especially with so many distractions and doubts about where to begin. Take me, for example. When I made the decision to seriously explore creative writing, I felt like I was in a wrestling match with myself ! I was on my hands and knees, not knowing what to write or how to get a hold of all my random ideas. And I had to do all sorts of contortions, sprawls and throws to make myself show up to the page on a regular basis.
Frankly, I spent a lot of time frozen and scared, unable to take any action on my vision, wondering what other people would think. But little by little, I pushed myself and started writing. I tried experiments with other writers, agents and publishers, and failed. But I got up and went back to writing again. Over time, I've been able to rack up some small achievements. What's more, I've developed a better attitude--I understand my process is one of learning and striving!
Most important, along the way, I discovered writing is one of the most rewarding ways to express my ideas and imagination, share stories, and connect with others. In other words, it feels good to me.
So, if writing feels good to you, and you want to start in 2026, consider what I learned from my experience, which I've boiled down to three practical steps. These steps helped me, and I believe you'll find them useful, too. The concept behind these steps is that you break the ice of your writing journey and you'll be able to keep moving forward as you gain confidence.
Here goes:
Step 1: Create a Dedicated Writing Space
A dedicated writing space sets the tone for your writing habit. It signals to your brain that it’s time to focus and be creative. This space doesn’t need to be large or fancy. It can be a corner of a room, a small desk, or even a comfortable chair with a lap desk. You could even do what I do--I moved to my kitchen table! (I used to work in a separate room, but I found I like the sunshine in the kitchen.)
How to set up your writing space:
Choose a quiet spot with minimal distractions.
Keep your writing tools handy: notebook, laptop, pens--whatever you like to use to write.
Add elements that help you focus, like a lucky tchotchke, a favorite picture, an inspiring quote, or a scented candle.
Having a consistent place to write helps build routine. When you sit down in your writing space, your mind will start to shift into dedicated writing mode more easily.
Step 2: Set Manageable Writing Goals
Many new writers get stuck because they aim too high too fast. Instead of setting your sights on, say, completing a finished novel by a certain date, or prepping an epic poem in one day, start with small, manageable goals. This approach builds the writing habit and adds to your writing confidence.
Examples of manageable goals:
Write for 10 minutes every day.
Complete 200 words per session.
Finish one short story or article each month for a year.
Create an image board to visualize your writing aspirations.
Keep a daily writing journal to reflect on your writing vision.
Whatever manageable goal(s) you set, experiment using a planner or an app to mark your writing days. Then monitor your progress each month or every quarter to see how you're doing. If you like what you see, celebrate! Small steps add up to big progress over time.
But if you miss your mark, don't scold yourself or give up--simply adjust your manageable goals and try again tomorrow.
Step 3: Learn from Other Writers
Connecting with other writers through a community or via writing groups is an invaluable way to learn and improve your writing practice as well as your writing craft. And while taking courses, joining organizations or attending conferences are great ways to meet other authors at every level, you don't have to spend a lot of money to connect. You can experiment with free communities in Discord, Reddit, and Facebook. And be sure to check out your local library or community college, too.
Ways to learn from other writers:
Join writing groups or online critique circles to get support and/or feedback on works in progress.
Follow writers you admire through social media and newsletters.
Study writing guides and take online courses.
As an important additional step, read a lot in the genre or category of writing that you enjoy. Analyze what works well and what you don't like. For example, notice how a writer builds suspense or uses vivid descriptions or handles the backstory of a character with success. At the same time, if there's a scene, character or plot twist which you didn't enjoy, analyze what bothered you and why. Keep notes about what you learn.
Will you make 2026 your writing year? You've got this! Try the steps I outlined, and if you have other suggestions put the comments field below into an armlock and let me know what you think!