RedBird-RedOak Writing

A guest post from RedBird-RedOak Writer, Pam Parker…

December brings a flurry of lists for writers – top ten books,  word of the year candidates, best writing blogs, ways to avoid holiday stress, the best (worst?) typos  – you name it, we’ll list it. And, lists can be helpful for many writing projects. I’ve always balked at the New Year’s Resolution lists, but this year, I saw one for writers with some great reminders and suggestions.  Keith Cronin, writing at Writer Unboxed, shares 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Writers. Number one? Read more. With the oft-quoted for a reason comment from Stephen King: “Can I be blunt on this subject? If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” Cronin also reminds us to back up our work, to give something back (maybe mentor another writer?) and other advice from try something new to re-read something old. I won’t repeat them all here and encourage you to read the whole post when you can.

Even the simple act of creating a list of things to work on can bring a sense of accomplishment…

Resolutions can serve as great motivators, even the simple act of creating a list of things to work on can bring a sense of accomplishment. But for me, the act of making the lists often led, in the past, to a sense of frustration at the end of the year when I realized I had barely made a dent in my resolutions. In the last few years, I’ve learned that I need an accountability check-in to sustain my attention to those resolutions and I need a plan to follow-through on those check-ins. In 2012, I posted around the fifth of each month, “Facing Facts on the Fifth.” This was a time and place for me to evaluate how I had done on my writing goals for that month and set new goals for the next month. Sure, there were carry-overs. There were things that didn’t get done. But, there were lots of projects that kept moving forward.

Slow and steady may be the only way that will work…

I’ve applied this check-in system to other areas of my life with some success too. During 2011 and 2012, I kept a sheet of paper taped to the inside of my coffee mug cabinet door and I wrote my weight down there on the first and fifteenth of every month, where I would see it every day. It makes me pay attention to the ups and downs of my weight, more than just my jeans getting uncomfortable. I go through spurts where I write down every morsel I put in my mouth and when I do that, my weight goes down a bit more. I’m not losing at any great rate. I lost five pounds in 2011 and am likely to end 2012 with another five gone. Yes, I could do better, but that’s ten pounds over two years that are gone and reverses the rate of gain that had been happening. Slow and steady may be the only way that will work for me in this department. Not sure. That paper will remain on the inside of my cabinet with its reminders.

We all have our own issues to deal with, right?

Since I’ve been wanting to grow up spiritually, I’ve also started checking in once a month during the academic year with a spiritual counselor. (Found a list from 2007 on signs you’re growing up spiritually. ) For me, growing up spiritually means taking responsibility to study more about my faith and to incorporate my faith values into my life. Checking in forces me to consider what I have done and what I may have avoided doing to stay tuned in to creative energy and to my goals. I am pleased to see some progress. I know this step may cause some of you to scoff, but we all have our own issues to deal with, right? For me, I could stand to check in with myself on simplifying my household contents – ahem – getting rid of accumulated stuff.

Acting and follow-through are what truly propels us forward in our work…

I haven’t formed my 2013 resolutions yet, but I will be working on them before December 31st. I am well aware that coming up with too many resolutions can mean almost certain failure. When I read Cronin’s New Year’s Resolutions for Writers, I realized that though I’ve been reading, I’ve failed to update my reading section on my blog or to keep up with my Goodreads listings…not doing that is in fact a good example of “not giving back.” Supporting other writers is one of my ongoing goals and not updating my reading list is a violation of that goal. Maybe I should resolve to do better there. I am likely to continue with my check-in system in writing, but I’m also looking to set up a calendar for my blog, something I’ve been wanting to do for the last two years. I’d like to devote three months (more perhaps?) to specific topics, instead of always reacting to whatever appears. Reacting has its place and certainly resonates with creatives, but acting and follow-through are what truly propels us forward in our work. A plan is necessary for the acting and follow-through.

Don’t forget to make a plan to make it happen…

I’d encourage all writers to honestly self-evaluate. What do you want for your next steps in your writing in 2013? We’re all at different places. Only you can answer that question for yourself and create your resolution. Once you have, then think about what steps you will take in 2013. In as simple a way as possible, how will you then keep yourself on track for that resolution? Could it be writing it down at the top of each month on your 2013 calendar? Setting up a reward system? Sure, these ideas may feel juvenile, but the kindergarten smiley face and star system works for a reason. Make your resolution, sure, but don’t forget to make a plan to make it happen and to check in with yourself throughout the year about your actions. May you be successful in whatever you resolve to do.

Happy #writing in 2013!

Read other posts of writing advice and inspiration from Pam at http://www.pamwrites.net/