Post 15 – Week 5 – Post March
What’s Next? Setting New Goals for Your Writing Journey
You’ve completed Y’all Write! Take a moment to celebrate this incredible achievement—you’ve shown dedication, creativity, and resilience. But every ending marks a new beginning, and now is the perfect time to reflect on what’s next for your writing journey. Whether it’s revising your draft, submitting your work, or diving into a new project, setting fresh goals will keep your momentum alive. Let’s explore how to plan your next steps and continue your growth as a writer.
Step 1: Reflect on Your Accomplishments
Before setting new goals, take time to evaluate what you’ve achieved this month. Reflection provides clarity on where you’ve been and where you want to go next.
Questions for Reflection:
- What did I accomplish during Y’all Write?
- What was my greatest challenge, and how did I overcome it?
- What aspects of my writing process worked well, and what could I improve?
Example:
Emma wrote 20,000 words during Y’all Write—more than she’d ever written in a month. She realized that her morning writing sessions were especially productive and decided to make them a regular habit.
Step 2: Choose Your Next Goal
With your accomplishments in mind, identify what you want to focus on next. Your goal could involve any stage of the writing process, from revising to starting something new.
Possible Next Steps:
1. Revising Your Draft:
Polishing your work is a natural next step. Create a revision plan to tackle one section or element at a time, such as plot consistency, character development, or dialogue.
2. Submitting Your Work:
Ready to share your writing with the world? Research literary magazines, agents, or self-publishing platforms to find the best fit for your work.
3. Starting a New Project:
If you’re brimming with ideas, start outlining or drafting your next story. Sometimes, a fresh project can reignite your passion and keep the creative energy flowing.
4. Building a Writing Portfolio:
If you worked on shorter pieces, consider compiling them into a portfolio to showcase your range and style.
Step 3: Set SMART Goals
When setting your next goal, make it SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Examples of SMART Goals:
- Revising: “Revise three chapters of my novel by the end of April, focusing on plot clarity and pacing.”
- Submitting: “Research five literary magazines and submit my short story to at least three of them by next month.”
- New Project: “Outline the main plot points of my new fantasy novel by May 15th.”
SMART goals provide clear direction and accountability, making it easier to stay on track.
Step 4: Create a Plan and Schedule
Breaking your goal into smaller, manageable tasks makes it less overwhelming and more achievable.
Example Plan:
Goal: Revise a 60,000-word manuscript in three months.
- Week 1: Review and refine the opening chapter.
- Week 2: Focus on character development in key scenes.
- Week 3: Work on dialogue and pacing in chapters 4–6.
- Continue with similar weekly targets until completion.
Set aside dedicated writing or editing time each day to ensure steady progress.
Step 5: Stay Accountable
Accountability helps you stay consistent. Share your new goals with your writing community, an accountability partner, or even on social media. Regularly check in to track your progress and celebrate small wins.
Example:
David shared his revision goals with his critique group, who provided feedback on his first chapter. Their support kept him motivated and on schedule.
Step 6: Reward Your Progress
Celebrate your milestones to stay motivated and acknowledge your hard work.
Examples of Rewards:
- Treat yourself to a favorite meal or dessert.
- Take a day off to relax and recharge.
- Buy a new book or writing tool.
Each reward reinforces your progress and makes the journey more enjoyable.
Reflection Exercise
Take 10 minutes to write down:
1. One major goal for the next month.
2. Three smaller tasks that will help you achieve that goal.
3. A reward you’ll give yourself when you reach the finish line.
The end of Y’all Write marks the beginning of a new chapter in your writing journey. By reflecting on your progress, setting clear goals, and staying committed, you’ll continue to grow and achieve even more.
Your next story is waiting to be written, polished, or shared. Let’s take that next step together—your best writing days are still ahead!