Setting goals and structuring your time and what you want with your writing and creative life is a great idea. But how do you go about doing that?

I took time off during the Holidays to think about what I really would like to focus on this year in my writing and creative goals for 2016.

I’m excited to plan for the year ahead. It’s like looking at a bunch of blank pages waiting to be scribbled on… a new beginning of sorts. What fun:)

I hope this process gives you ideas and helps you as you plan for this New Year.

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Steps on How to Create Writing Goals for the New Year

In the past 2 years, since I started writing more seriously, I’ve written down “Sort of Goals” – ideas of stories I’d like to write or nonfiction books or courses I’d like to create.

But this year, I took more time to picture the books and other ideas around creativity that I wanted to work on this year. I chose to make doable goals.

I love telling stories – as I’m sure you do – so let’s figure out how to create goals to help you do more of what you love:)

Here are the steps I took which really helped to clarify my goals for this year. I hope you find them helpful too.

1.Take a day or two to envision the big picture for your creative life. I felt like I needed to be clearer on the big picture or vision for my creative life. It really helps if you can ask yourself questions like: What kind of writer do you want to be? (Do you want to focus fiction; nonfiction or a little of both? What genre do you love?) What kind of career do you want? (it’s helpful here to think about authors or books that have inspired you).

I found that answering these questions really helpful. For instance, I want to continue to get better as a fiction storyteller, but there’s also a few more nonfiction books I want to write too. I’ve realized I’ve been inspired by indie authors like Barbara Freethy, Joanna Penn, Mark Dawson and others. I see the creative freedom they’ve realized in their lives as they continue to create work they love and it inspires me. Realizing that helps me to get a clearer understanding of the bigger picture.

2.Write down your goals. This is where you decide what you want to achieve. It should be something you can control and measure. Like the SMART goals that Michael Hyatt recommends. There is something powerful that happens when you write down your goals on paper that fixes it in your mind. Try to write in present tense.

Here’s what I wrote down for my writing goals: 1)I will write 3000 words a week,  2)Self-Publish Anchoring Annaveta by March 1st  3) Finish 1st draft of The Marriage Bargain (tentative title) a Turner Valley, historical romance novella and publish by May 1st   4) Finish 1st draft of the contemporary romance Abby’s Return to Love (tentative title) a Mulberry Island novel, by June 1st and self-publish by August 1st.

4 other goals I have for this year: 1)Keep studying and improving the craft of writing. 2) Finish creating a blueprint/guide for new subscribers on steps to write, self-publish & market your story. 3) Re-Launch the write and publish your first book online course. 4)Learn how to market books and grow email lists from other successful authors – like Nick Stephenson’s online course, ‘Your First 10k Readers.’

So those are my goals, which to me seem fun and scary all at the same time.

Take some time to write down goals that you have for this year. I really believe you’ll discover something very empowering and motivating about seeing your goals written down on paper:)

3.Unclutter your life. I’ve discovered it has helped me to gain clarity if I give up things that I don’t really need. Like instead of watching that extra hour of TV a night, use that same hour to write 300 words. Or instead of checking email – or social media – 10 times a day, instead limit it to 3 or 4 times a day – like noon, supper time and evening. That’s been something that has really helped me simplify and get more focused.

4.Balance real life with writing. Admittedly, I need to do this better. Last year I was quite unbalanced with what I was working on and time spent with my 4 teenagers/college – age kids and hubby. They were super patient with me, but I want to learn how to do this part of my life better.

So, I’m using printable calendars(download & print them off for free) which I print off 3 months in advance and put them near my writing desk. I write everything down that has to do with life and creativity. I’ve even scheduled Sundays and most evenings off so I have time with the fam. I’ve been writing down blocks of time for writing, editing, blogging and podcast interviews. I also use it to record word count at the end of a writing session. I’m hoping this new way of scheduling will help me keep track better of writing and life.

5.Be Grateful. Too many times I’ve made myself miserable because I haven’t got a good review for my books or because I’m comparing myself to other authors. This is something I’m determined to try to stop myself from doing in 2016.

Instead, when those thoughts come, I’m going to stop myself and speak out loud 5 things I’m thankful for in my life. For family, for art, for language, for my desire to tell stories… there’s so much to be thankful for 🙂

I’m learning that even in the challenges we all face in life that it is in working through those obstacles that we grow stronger.

So I hope you will keep writing and telling stories – even on days when you don’t feel inspired or when the ideas aren’t coming to you like they should.

Readers are waiting to hear what you have to say… as only you can tell it. So set your goals for this New Year bravely and with confidence and make 2016 your best year yet!

What are your writing and/or creative goals for 2016? Please comment below… I’d love to hear from you:)

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