
Embarking on annual writing goals is thrilling. There's so much promise and potential ahead! Even so, my enthusiasm flags after a few weeks. Knowing this about myself, one of the most effective ways I've found to stay motivated is by joining a writing group. But I learned that flinging myself and my goals at any writing group was a recipe for disaster. Sure, sometimes I got lucky and struck writing-group gold. Other times, I took a big step backward, losing my confidence and focus.
Ugh.Â
On the upside, I learned from my messy experiences. First, it's essential to set clear goals before joining a group. Second, the writing group should complement the goals that I set.
I had this in mind when I set goals for 2025, including a major fiction project--a gothic mystery. Back in 2024, after completing the first draft, I started editing and quickly realized I didn't know what I was doing, which led me to avoid the work. Worse, I could have gone on like this forever! (I talked a little about my fear of this project this earlier this month.) I had to force myself to take charge by setting a 2025 goal, creating a schedule, and getting some help.
For my schedule, I used my calendar's color-coding and set tasks with notifications and implemented a process. On Sundays, I scan the week ahead so I have a big picture view of what I want to accomplish by the next weekend. Then, I keep my daily agenda visible on my phone, stick to the timetable and tick off my to-dos as I complete them. And finally, I got help through a writers' group, where I report my weekly progress. The interaction from the other members is so motivating! On top of that, I plan to share my progress and reflect on what I've learned with you at the end of each month in this blog. Stay tuned.
Geez, every day feels like I'm climbing a mountain. Still, I'm making progress and that's way better than doing nothing on my manuscript.
Now, I'd like to ask you: How's it going for you? Today's the last day of the first month of 2025--a good time to reflect on your progress. Are you satisfied? Or do you need to do something different? Could a writing group help you?
You might think there isn't a circle to support what you're trying to do. Then read my Let's Bust Some Writing Group Myths post. You'll see different groups can support different goals. If you want to explore a little more, get the free Writing Group Compatibility Quiz. (All you have to do is sign up for blog updates.) Answer a few questions, and you'll be able to identify the group or groups that are best aligned with your unique circumstances and creative aims.
Don't let 2025 become another year when you miss your writerly targets or end up feeling bad about yourself. Your work and progress are important, and the right writing group can help you. (Want to learn more about how to make a writing group work for you? Read The Write Group, now available through Amazon.)
Do you envision an ideal writing group for yourself? What's it like? Let me know in the comments.
Great post! One of my challenges is having so many "other goals" -- for example, increasing my marketing and social media reach for my mystery novels and building my business (aka my "day job") as a communications consultant. Too often, my creative writing gets what is left over--not only time, but also energy. While Saturday morning is prime writing time, if I feel cooped up or worn out from the week, that writing time will be suboptimal. My solution (and this is new for 2025): make the most of Friday night. Whether it's cleaning, extra exercising, or simply relaxing, I use it as preparation for my Saturday morning writing time.