Resolution #1: I want to be a better writer

How are your New Year’s Resolutions going?

What the…?

Haven’t you seen the calendar – it’s March! That’s right – I know.

So how are those resolutions made in January going? Did you write down that you want to be a better writer?

Becoming a better writer is something every writer, from the one just beginning to the well-published author wants to achieve. Weaving mesmerizing tales is what we want to do best. Nothing brings joy to our hearts faster than having a reader say “I couldn’t put it down!”

But what does becoming a better writer mean? The meaning varies from writer to writer.

Dawn Arkin.

The problem with resolutions is that they are often nice sounding words – but not really goals. You see, goals are measurable. “Becoming a better writer” is not really a goal. How do you measure it?

Becoming a better anything – writer, athlete, teacher, artist – whatever – is only realised by practising. Then practising some more, then more yet. There are many ways of improving your writing, and here is a list of some strategies that have worked for me:

Goals that will improve my writing:

1. I will write for at least 30 minutes each day.
2. I will write at least 200 words each day.
3. I will read at least 3 books or magazines about writing this year.
4. I will attend one writers’ conference this year.
5. I will attend one seminar or workshop for writers this year.
6. I will write one poem or story every week.

Don’t get too hung up about the numbers or examples I have used; they are just a guide. Change the numbers to suit your situation and experience. And stick at it. Keep going for at least three weeks; research has shown that it takes 21 days to develop a new habit, so stick at it.

Above all: just do it!

Related articles:

• My writing goals for 2007 – yes, I’ll be honest: I’m doing really well on the first four and hopelessly on the last four. Time for a review I think.
• Good blogging habits – this was written with blogging in mind but has much in common with writing habits.