The 5 Rs of Refreshing Your Writing Goals

So much has changed over the last several months. In-person events have been cancelled, projects have been delayed, and many businesses and publications have shut their doors.

On the flip side, a lot of organizations have pivoted, a variety of virtual gatherings are popping up each week, and new publications are taking shape. People are writing their experiences, creating solutions through new businesses, and doing their best to adjust to this new world.

So, how are you doing? What are you doing? Are you ready to embrace your writing goals? Want to set new ones?

Here are the 5 Rs of refreshing your writing goals:

Revamp: When plans change, sometimes the easiest thing to do it roll with it. Did your live book-release tour get cancelled? Set up a virtual book tour of blogs and podcasts. Apply to speak at conferences. Or start a workshop of your own.

Reboot: When was the last time you spent time looking at your website, blog, or social media? I'm guessing it's overdue for a makeover. Make sure your social media and blog have a new-ish - professional - photo of you, and your experience is up-to-date. Don't forget the consistent blog posts and branding. Your online presence is most people's first impression of you. Make sure it's an accurate reflection of you, so you are ready for future work and new connections.

Revisit: Have your pitches-in-progress stalled? Has an editor not gotten back to you? It's all good. You know what you can do instead? Spend time on that passion project you keep meaning to go back to but never have the time. Whether it's a book idea, short story, or article, your fresh eyes on it may be just what you need to fast-track it forward.

Research: Trying new things is just as - if not more - important than revisiting old projects. Want to explore a new genre? Great. Ready to discover whether a podcast, videos, or a new social media platform is right for you? Fantastic. Unless you experiment with new genres, formats, and mediums, you don't know what's out there. ... And you could discover something that is a game-changer for you in the process.

Reach Out: Are you missing real-people connections and conversations? Want to know how old friends and colleagues are doing? Ask. Send an email. Schedule a Zoom. Or pick up the phone. People will be thrilled to hear from you. Plus, you never know what opportunities can come from a conversation.

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As a writer, there's no better time than now to take a good look at your goals and adjust them accordingly.

#ChangeHappens. However, when we embrace change, set new goals, and make a plan, it's a much smoother road ahead.


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How are you refreshing your writing goals? What new goals have you set? Please share in the comments.

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Read my post on 5 networking goals you can pursue from home.

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Debra Eckerling is the author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals. A writer, editor and project catalyst, as well as founder of the D*E*B METHOD and Write On Online, Deb works with individuals and businesses to set goals and manage their projects through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and online support. She is also the author of Write On Blogging: 51 Tips to Create, Write & Promote Your Blog and Purple Pencil Adventures: Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages, host of the #GoalChat Twitter Chat and #GoalChat Live on Facebook, and a speaker/moderator on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

8 comments:

Carolyn Howard-Johnson said...

Oh, my gosh. I didn't realize I was so clever. Or organized. Or goal oriented. This sounds like my typical day. What a boost you've given me! I have been using my favorite goal person's great ideas--at least in part--all along!
Hugs,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Debra Eckerling said...

That's awesome. So happy to hear it, Carolyn! Stay safe and well. Hugs back, Deb

deborah lyn said...

Debra, excellent and timely article as always! Thanks much.
I am refreshing my writing goals by cleaning up my list of post topics--making a fresh list in a new notebook. Lots has been written since I last visited my topics!
A new goal set? Yes, an addition to my social media circuit!

Karen Cioffi said...

Debra, what excellent tips to get our writing goals back on track. I'll be working on Revisit as soon as I get a chance. I've had a sequel to my middle-grade book on hold for years now. I think I'll hire myself - then I'll have to work it in. LOL

Terry Whalin said...

Debra,

Great insights in this article. I've had to refresh some of my writing goals for sure with the massive changes in our world. 2020 is definitely going to be unique in a number of ways.

Terry

Debra Eckerling said...

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Deborah - Way to go!

Karen - Great plan!

Terry - Good for you!

Take care, everyone! And best of luck as you pursue your goals!

Suzanne Lieurance said...

Debra,

Nice reminders about goals. I find I am constantly revamping my goals - or maybe I'm just refining them.

Debra Eckerling said...

Fantastic, Suzaane. Goals are always a work in progress, perhaps now more than ever!

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