You’ve probably heard that saying “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
It’s often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, although the exact wording is often disputed. Point is, never a truer word has been said when it comes to writing.
It doesn’t matter what your writing dream is – setting a writing goal is the tangible action that should move you closer to that dream. In short, you need a plan.
Some folks like to just wing it when it comes to their project – and that sounds like a lot of fun – but I know if I did that I would end up wasting a lot of time. When I’m embarking on a journey, I kinda need to know where I’m going…
If that’s you too - how about we sit down and set a firm writing goal?
First, a quick word about soft goals and firm goals. Soft goals are closer to wishes (and resolutions!)
These are soft goals…
I’m going to write a novel this year.
I want to get a poem published this year.
I’m going to start a screenplay in the new year.
I want to get a producer interested in my short film script.
I’d really like to start a blog about (insert topic)
You get the picture; it’s all a bit nebulous and vague.
Firm goals are specific, challenging and measurable.
It might be that your goal is to finish the first draft of (insert title).
It might be that you want to write 1000 words per week of (insert title) or your goal might be to just write 200 words a day just to develop the habit or to attend your first writing workshop.
Let’s say you want to write a screenplay by April. You can phrase it like this… E.g. My goal is to finish the rough draft of my screenplay by April 30th.
Or you might like to phrase it like this – In 2023 I finish the rough draft of my screenplay by April 30th.
It doesn’t actually matter what your firm goal is…
What matters is that you give yourself a fighting chance to achieve it.
A plan, a map, a schedule – something with a clear destination and steps you can follow.
So what is your firm writing goal this year?
Once you know, I want you to tweak it to include a firm, realistic deadline.
Step 1 – write down your firm goal.
Step 2 – consider using a competition entry or funding application date to help you complete your work. I rely on this a lot – and it works. (If you want a regular deadline, you could also consider joining or setting up a writers’ group.
So now you’ve identified your firm goal…
…take Step 3 which is to break it into mini goals or achievable pieces. In short, you’re going to create an ACHIEVABLE schedule. And you need to be realistic about what’s do-able – there’s no point in setting yourself up to fail.
Depending on your other commitments, and how you like to plan things, you need to make some decisions about whether your mini-goals are related to word count, page count or a daily or weekly task.
Look at your goal and work out how long you think it will take and work backward. Using software such as Excel or Trello can be a simple way to create your schedule as it gives you something tangible to check in on – and amend. This also helps you stay on track.
E.g. if your goal is to write a new, market-ready short story in 3 months your mini-goals might look something like this…
Weeks 1,2,3,4,5 – Write 750 words per week = your fat, rough draft.
Week 6 – First re-write = 1st draft
Week 7 – Second rewrite and edit = 2nd draft
Week 8 – Get fresh eyes on my story (and some feedback) no matter what shape it’s in.
Week 9 – Third rewrite in response to feedback – 3rd draft
Week 10 – Edit 3rd draft
Week 11 – Final feedback
Week 12 – Final polish/edit – and you’re done.
You’ll notice each stage has a sense of completion. So tick off each mini-goal as you achieve it – this week’s 750 words – tick! My rough draft complete – tick! Give my work to someone for feedback – tick!
It’s important to give yourself a pat on the back every time you accomplish a mini-goal as reward helps you keep moving forward. Remember what I said about measurable?
Let’s make this year your best writing year yet.
Your Tasks
Identify your firm writing goal with a deadline.
Maybe find a writing competition that’s relevant to your medium – put that date in your calendar.
Break your BIG Goal into do-able mini-goals.
I know you can do it!
Want to be a more productive writer? Dive into my new book! Check it out here.