With the new year on its way, it’s common for writers to say, “This is the year I will finally write my book.” By February, life has intervened, and the dream seems to be slipping away. Pressure, disappointment, and defeat set in. Writing becomes a race against the clock instead of an enjoyable adventure.
Here’s a different way to approach writing in the new year: not as a time-related goal but as an ongoing journey of discovery. Something you explore a little at a time each week.
When you take your focus off deadlines and goals, you free your creative mind and heart to live in the discoveries. You notice things around you, and those things inspire you. You allow memories and ideas to surface. You have some creative fun along the way.
Instead of a time-tangled project, writing becomes part of your life.
Instead of making a goal of writing your book this year, choose to make this a year of discoveries in writing.
As you move into the new year, write down one interesting thought, memory, or something you’ve noticed around you. For the rest of the week, spend a little creative time reflecting on and developing that idea. It may lead somewhere new. It may wrap up in itself. There’s no right or wrong way when it comes to creative discovery.
In the process, you’ll be creating a lifestyle of writing, one moment at a time. No time pressure. No required end product. Just the ongoing journey of writing your discoveries. That is how your book will unfold, and your readers will get to join you on that journey.
Have a blessed writing new year.
Janet Eriksson 