The new year gives writers a chance to set and meet new creative goals. At the same time, we can build new writing routines that support our creative flow. One key to success when starting the new year, however, is setting up methods that support progress, rather than perfection. By doing so, we can maintain our motivation through December.
What Do You Want to Accomplish?
Start by reflecting on what you’d ideally like to accomplish during the new year. In my case, I plan to distribute the third Stephanie Hart novel this year before June. In addition, I’d like to continue my shift toward more short fiction rather than novels. What you want to accomplish will obviously be different, but starting without identifying what you’d like to accomplish is foolish. This can be a wishlist which you’ll trim down and refine afterwards, but for now, dream BIG.
Be Specific and SMART
The most effective goals—for anyone—use the SMART framework. This stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Using this approach keeps the objectives reasonable and achievable. Here’s a way I might use the SMART framework:
My first writing goal for 2026 is to write at least six short stories during calendar year 2026. These stories may be in any genre in which I already have published pieces, which includes mystery, science fiction, literary, fantasy, and western. This goal is specific and time bound (for the entire year), and it’s easy to see if I’ve met it or not. In addition, writing six stories in the new year is achievable. One question I might ask myself is: are six stories enough for someone shifting toward short fiction? I’ll let you know my thoughts on that as the year progresses.
Of course, you might have multiple goals for the year, as I do, including publishing the third Hart novel, or taking concrete steps to find a publisher for the Mitchell Street series. The point is that by using the SMART framework, we have a greater chance of success.
Set Writer-Friendly Sub-Goals
We benefit as writers not only by having clear goals, but also by developing reasonable ways to achieve them. Whether we call these sub-goals or objectives doesn’t matter. What matters is setting manageable steps to reach each writing goal that give us motivation rather than frustration.
Here’s how you might do that:
●Convert broad aims into small, trackable commitments: for example, “Draft 300 words, four days a week until March 31,” or, “Submit one story to a market each month.”
●Make goals measurable in ways you can actually control (words written, sessions completed, submissions sent), not outcomes you cannot guarantee (acceptances or sales).
Build Sustainable Routines
Just as addressing goals through small, measurable steps works best for general goal attainment in the new year, the same applies to routines. For writers, routines that include small, consistent sessions will result in success more than occasional bursts of brilliance to meet your goals. You can:
●Choose a consistent writing window that fits your life (for example, 25 minutes before work on weekdays, or a single longer session on Sundays) and protect it like any other appointment. When I’m in the thick of writing novels, for example, I always write in the early morning after exercise. That’s when I’m most able to compose a chapter comfortably.
●Start smaller than you think you “should.” A few weeks of brief, predictable sessions make it easier to extend your routine later than starting with an unsustainable sprint. I’ve seen this with folks on YouTube who attempt Novel November. They commonly write 4,000-5,000 in the first few days, then peter out and write nothing for a week. That routine won’t help them reach their new year goals.
●Some folks suggest using a “reverse schedule” for a week. This technique involves recording how you actually spend your time, showing when you’re most productive. You can then schedule more of your writing at those times when you’re at your best.
Find Your Post-Holiday Rhythm
To find your rhythm, most people suggest just starting the habit of writing on a consistent basis. Further many suggest starting with lower pressure tasks. These include reading through drafts, freewriting, or brainstorming scenes. Push the most complicated—yet still essential—tasks such as rewriting and polishing for later. In addition, be gentle with yourself. Most of us miss a day of writing occasionally, and it does you no good to beat yourself up about it. Take it in stride, re-start the habit and don’t look back.
Part of your new rhythm may be to join a writing community, through critique partners, online groups, or local workshops. We know from research that exchanging support and accountability is linked to better follow‑through on creative goals.
Meeting new year writing goals ain’t about being perfect from the start: nothing is. But taking a systematic approach to setting SMART goals, developing sustainable routines, and just starting; those are the keys to success.
