Image that portrays a writer who finds no inspiration to write
“Your Novel Won’t Write Itself, Right?”
Happy New Year, fellow wordsmiths! 🎉 It’s that magical time again when we all vow to finally write more, eat less, and maybe stop scrolling social media until 2 a.m. But let’s be real—setting writing goals is the easy part. Sticking to them? That’s where the plot gets tricky. But fret not my friends! I’ve got five foolproof (okay, mostly foolproof) tips to help you crush your writing goals in 2025. Let’s do this!
- Get Specific or Get Lost
Saying, “I’ll write more” is like saying, “I’ll exercise”—vague enough to fail by February. Instead, nail down exactly what you want: “Write 1,000 words every weekend” or “Finish my mystery novel by June, plot twists and all.” The more specific, the better.
Cheryl’s Tip: Write it down. Seeing your goals in print makes them official. I prefer pen and paper, but feel free to type up a document or even create a Smart Art diagram in PowerPoint to print out. Whatever works for you and whatever will motivate you the most! Bonus: It feels very writerly.
- Turn Writing into a Habit, Not a Hobby
You don’t “find” time to write; you make time to write. Pick a slot—early mornings, lunch breaks, or while the kids are busy pretending they don’t hear you—and commit to it. No excuses, except maybe an alien invasion.
Cheryl’s Tip: Keep snacks handy. Writing hungry is like grocery shopping hungry—very dangerous.
Man resting on couch with writer block at apartment
- Declutter Your Space (and Your Brain)
Let’s face it, you’re not going to crank out your magnum opus while staring at a pile of laundry or doom-scrolling TikTok. Create a workspace you actually want to sit in—desk, couch, pillow fort, whatever works. And if your brain feels cluttered, take five minutes to scribble down your to-do list or meditate. Yes, writers meditate too! This includes sounds—whether you prefer silence, nature sounds, spa music, or jazz like me, have that all set up. I’m so grateful for Sirius XM for giving me all those options!
Quick Laugh: My workspace is 50% creative chaos and 50% coffee mugs I forgot to take to the kitchen. #NoJudgment
- Celebrate the Heck Out of Small Wins
Finished a chapter? Celebrate! Wrote 500 words today? You’re a rock star. Treat yourself to a cookie, a Netflix binge, or a quiet moment of smug satisfaction. Small wins keep you motivated for the long haul.
Sizzling Hot Tip: Make a “done” list to see all you’ve accomplished—it’s oddly satisfying, like popping bubble wrap.
Happy person has a breakthrough in group while others are clapping for her
- Find Your Cheer Squad
Writing can be lonely, so grab a buddy (or a whole gang) to cheer you on. Whether it’s a friend who asks about your progress or a Facebook group full of writers posting memes about deadlines, support makes a world of difference. I love the Writing Community on IG, as they are always so supportive. I also have a Slack channel for my IBPA association that supports me as well.
Cheryl’s Warning: Accountability partners will call you out if you slack off (no pun intended)—choose wisely!
Bonus Tip: Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
Life happens! Kids get sick, cars break down, bills pile up, your full-time job gets crazy, or you accidentally binge-watch an entire season of a show. It’s okay to stumble. Just pick up the pen, typewriter, or laptop, and keep going. Progress is progress, even if it’s slow.
Conclusion
So, what’s your big writing goal for this year? To finish a novel? Start a blog? Write daily, even if it’s just a journal entry? Post a comment below and let me know—I’d love to cheer you on (and maybe steal your ideas for my own goals). Let’s make 2025 the year we finally stick to those writing dreams. For even more tips, sign up for our newsletter!
Until next time—keep writing, keep dreaming, and don’t forget to celebrate the small stuff!
About the Author
Cheryl Bannerman is a prolific and versatile author with a portfolio of ten published works across various genres including mystery novels and a children’s book. In 2018, she received the prestigious 2018 Book Excellence Award for her poetry collection, Words Never Spoken. In 2020, Bannerman’s book, Black Child to Black Woman: An African-American Woman Coming-of-Age Story, garnered acclaim, winning the Best Books Award in African American fiction and the Reader’s Favorite International Book Award Contest in Urban Fiction in 2021.
Readers can connect with Bannerman, purchase signed copies of her books, and subscribe to her newsletter through her website, www.bannermanbooks.com. When she is not writing for her next book, Bannerman is running her 28-year-old virtual B2B Training and Development company based out of her Orlando, Florida, home.