Let’s make New Year’s resolutions for 2024 together. We’ll make meaningful resolutions to become a better writer. Jot down what comes to mind as you read this article. Find the things you think you’ll do throughout the year.
As I have written before on this subject, if these resolutions are not properly formed, they can cause unrest. So we should make a list without exaggeration. Let’s start with the question: what do ambitious new writers do to improve themselves?
They make a point of reading works from different genres. They make a point of writing regularly and analysing their writing to understand what needs to be improved. They will work and research to improve the aspects they feel are lacking. They will listen to and watch successful writers and, depending on the situation, may be inspired to develop their own structure. They will share and discuss with others to get feedback and try to see their shortcomings. These are some of the main ones I can think of. Of course, you may have had other comments as you read. But we can take a conscious approach and make decisions to take our work to the next level.
These choices seem very simple at first. They are all very doable. But the important thing is to create a continuity that we can follow. That’s the hard part; we realise it better when we start doing it. So let’s make lots of resolutions, but keep them as simple as possible. Instead of setting a deadline, let’s take a whole year. That way we don’t limit ourselves in terms of decisions or time. This way we will not deviate from the main idea of these goals and we will do as much as we can comfortably, without worrying and having fun. The important thing is to have different experiences by adding new ones to our normal flow. Maybe push ourselves a bit and learn to love it as we do it. Knowing how to embrace novelties.
So, without further ado, let us begin to make our decisions. In no particular order, I will add them as I think of them. If there are other topics that make sense to you, feel free to add them in the comments.
Photo by Zac Durant on Unsplash
Reading
Personally, I always read fantasy and science fiction. Diversifying this might help me to add different angles to my vision. So I will start with the reading theme. You can choose similar ones or ones that suit you.
At least one of each:
Read a children’s book
Read a philosophy book
Read a psychology book
Read a history book
Read a fantasy book
Read a science fiction book
Read a book by a local author
Read a bestseller
Read a horror book
Read a book by an amateur writer
Read a manga
Read a banned book
Read a science book
Read a recommended book
Read articles
As I said, I’m not promising to read them all. I have added so many genres for two reasons. The first is not to limit myself to a select few and not to narrow my vision. If possible, I would like to include genres that I have never read or that I prefer less. Secondly, to give you an idea to help you in case you have not thought of it.
Writing
Let’s move on to another must-have. As I have mentioned in other articles, most successful writers advise discipline in the act of writing. I try to follow this advice as much as I can on a daily basis, just as I try to do with reading.
Each should be practised regularly:
Write 500 to 1500 words a day. Don’t worry about the subject. Don’t force yourself to write more words.
Write at least 1 poem a week. Write how you feel, don’t feel the need to follow the rules.
Write at least 1 story a month. Don’t worry about genre. However, if you have written a story before, you may improve more if it is not in the same genre. If you are unsure about the main theme, you can find a random plot on forums on the internet or check out plot generator sites.
When writing an article, try to organise it in a way that works best for you and try to stick to it. This could be X number of articles per month or Y number of articles per week.
Study and Research
These are necessary actions to produce good writing. Even if you write a poem from the heart, sometimes you want to improve it by following the necessary rules. Because having an setup sometimes gives you the courage to try new things.
It should be done in such a way that it is divided into certain days:
Pay attention to the rules of grammar and correct spelling of words. Keep a dictionary in the browser’s bookmark.
Research and test yourself in the subject you feel you are lacking in. For example, if you think you are weak at writing dialogue, look at works that interest you and see how the dialogue is written.
Check out the educational videos on the internet. You will definitely come across topics related to the subjects you plan to improve.
Take time to visit what you have written and reflect on it. Analyse the points that make a difference and think about why.
Keep your research in an organised folder and revise it from time to time. These can be new concepts, vocabulary, figures of speech.
Listen to talks by authors whose work you enjoy reading or whose writing inspires you. Study their quotes. Read their biographies and autobiographies, if available.
Share, Discuss and Receive Feedback
Although writing is done individually, sometimes at least a second opinion is needed. In such cases, social interaction can be useful.
It should be practised without obligation, but in such a way that experienced it at least once:
If you have friends who would like to hear your thoughts and developments about your writing, tell them and answer their questions. Note down unexpected thoughts.
Use online discussion forums and ask for feedback. Be open to all kinds of criticism. On the other hand, do not let it completely interfere with your creation.
Use artificial intelligence to intervene where you feel stuck. Don’t take advice literally and always add your own personal touch. Use it as little as possible and don’t fall under its spell.
If available, experience a workshop. It can be local or digital.
Write in different environments. Go back to the place where you feel most creative and weigh up your feelings. You may come up with some unexpected thoughts.
As you can see, there are many things to do. Some of them involve a general attitude that can be applied throughout the year, rather than a specific amount. Because, as we said, it may not be possible to do all of them. Some of them require a discipline, a habit. Sometimes we need motivation and we can be distracted from what we want to do. So I thought it was important to increase the possibilities, but not to force ourselves.
Nevertheless, create your setup with the mindset that suits you. Create in a way that you know you will not be disappointed. Do not feel the need to add a little bit of everything. Do not do yourself more harm than good.
Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash
Let me end the article by writing what I personally plan to do.
Read at least 5 books from genres I know I haven’t read in a long time.
Read world classics that I haven’t read, without any quantity requirements.
Continue to write my articles every two or three days.
Finish and publish my first book.
Start my second book.
Write at least 1 story a month in different genres, with a maximum of 1500–2000 words.
Write at least 3 poems per month.
Watch and take notes on existing lectures on the internet by my favourite authors.
Use the concepts I have researched and learnt in my stories and deepen my knowledge.
Read about the authors’ writing styles.
Write stories for the competitions that will be organised.
Create a website about the book I am going to publish.
Attend workshops and, if possible, make new friends.
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