Setting Meaningful Writing Goals — A Guide for Writers
Embarking on a writing journey can be an exhilarating yet challenging experience. Exhausting and frustrating as well. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, setting clear and meaningful goals is crucial for honing your craft, achieving success, and just getting it right. Let’s explore goals that writers can focus on to enhance their skills, boost productivity, and find fulfillment in getting stuff done! Hey, we’re here on Medium, that’s a big start for many.
1. Establishing Writing Habits
Do we really want to do this? Uh, yeah! How about just flying by the seat of one’s pants? Really, you think that’s a goal? Almost all writers know the foundational goal is to establish consistent writing habits. Writing is a craft that thrives on routine. Let me tell you, setting aside dedicated time each day or week to focus solely on your writing is going to boost things exponentially. Whether it’s early mornings, late nights, or weekends, or whatever, find a schedule that works for you. Focus here. Doing this and developing a writing routine not only improves your discipline but also enhances your creativity by signaling to your mind that it’s time to get into the writing zone. It’s one great weapon in defense against writer’s block.
2. Word Count Targets
Seriously, from my experience, NO. Many claim setting word count goals is an effective way to measure your writing progress. Eh, meh. Of course, you need some goals here. Of course, word count can be an interesting way to track progress and provide a tangible benchmark, allowing you to track your productivity and celebrate small victories along the way. But few writers are realistic in this regard either expecting far too much of themselves or too little. Add this to your toolbox if you find it is of great value, but don’t get fixated on it.
3. Diversify Writing Genres
Here we get into a lot of hot debates. There are those who claim sticking with your ‘genre’ is the best path, and others who hotly deny it. I’ve personally wandered through different genres, being published in Western, Romance, Historic Romance, and SciFi/Fantasy; currently dabbling in humorous horror. I suggest you challenge yourself by exploring different writing genres. If you typically write fiction, try your hand at non-fiction. If you’ve written Romance, then maybe try Mystery. Venturing into diverse genres not only expands your skill set but also opens up new avenues for creative expression. It may lead to unexpected breakthroughs and help you discover hidden talents. Embrace the unfamiliar, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. This can also help you understand which (if any) area you really want to stick with.
Photo by Daniel McCullough on Unsplash
4. Submit Your Work
This is a big one for some writers who I’ve found are reticent at sharing their work and so don’t even want to send it to publishers or put it out there themselves. Whether it’s submitting to literary magazines, contests, or publishing platforms, make a goal to share your work with the world. Rejections are a part of every writer’s life, but they also serve as valuable learning experiences. Each submission is a step toward improving your writing and increasing your visibility in the writing (and reading) community.
5. Editing Skills are King
Writing is rewriting. Here’s a goal you can’t say no to if you’re a serious writer. Enhance your editing skills. Learn to self-edit. It’s crucial to refine your work before sending it to publishers or any reader. You can specific objectives for each editing session, such as improving dialogue, eliminating redundancies, or enhancing descriptive elements. Or you can just wing it and roll through. There are lots of tools out there online to help you with the first round of self-editing.
Here are a few resources to help with that:
Ten Tips For Editing Your Own Writing
Self Editing For Fiction Writers — 10 Tips
Best Book Editing Software for 2025
6. Attend Writing Workshops and Conferences
A goal? Maybe, maybe not. This is a tough one for introverts, but it can pay dividends. Attend writing workshops, conferences, and seminars to connect with other writers, learn from experienced authors, and stay updated on industry trends. Networking with fellow writers can provide valuable insights, motivation, and potential collaboration opportunities. Not a bad idea if you can do it, but make o mistake attending conferences can be very expensive. When I was dipping my toe into screenwriting I got around that by volunteering to provide transportation for guest speakers. There are no doubt other ways to cut those corners.
7. Build an Author Platform
You might want a full-blown website or you might just want to have a cool Social Media face. However you choose to do it you need to establish an online presence. Even writing here at Medim can help with that. Part of the key is to regularly share content related to your writing journey. Make yourself the human that you are. Readers like to get to know the writers that they read.
8. Complete a Writing Challenge
This one is a not so much for me. There is NanoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) if you’re so inclined. Participating in writing challenges can be a fun and rewarding way to push your creative boundaries. Whether it’s NaNoWriMo or a themed writing challenge if you’re going to do it, go all in. However, don’t let that eat at you and end up feeling defeated. Enjoy the sense of community, accountability (but don’t make yourself crazy), and a shared goal that can fuel your motivation to produce quality work within a specific timeframe.
Photo by Ishaq Robin on Unsplash
9. Read Widely
Um, read, Read, READ! Read in your genre or area and read outside it. That’s all I have to say on that subject.
Conclusion:
Goals can be a good thing, an excellent thing, but don’t let those goals make you crazy. Set reasonable ones, and each goal will contribute to your writer’s journey of self-discovery and creative expression. Focus and use them well.
*If you’d like to read a bit of my writing, my award-winning short story Skykicker is available on Medium - free to read.
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Want to learn from me? Check out Romancing Your Novel, my UDMY romance writing course.
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Great advice and it takes time. So, be prepared for sustained dedication.