Make a Resolution to be a Better Writer

Do you want to become a better writer this year? Then resolve to do so at a time when we all make resolutions. Unfortunately, overindulgence in all things festive is often why we make promises of contrition and renewal for the new year. And, according to recent research, as many as 45 percent of Americans say they regularly make them, yet, at the same time, only eight percent keep them.

The annual tradition of making new year resolutions is thought to have started with the ancient Babylonians about 4,000 years ago. Their new year began in mid-March, coinciding with planting crops, and lasted for twelve days. They promised their gods to pay their debts and return anything they had borrowed. If they succeeded, the gods would be good to them; if they failed, they would fall out of the gods’ favor.

Today, most people make vows to themselves and focus on self-improvement. This begs the question: What resolutions can writers make to improve their craft? Before taking the plunge, be sure to think about what you want to achieve. Then, start with small, manageable objectives to ensure you reach your goals.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Finish that book, poetry collection, script, whatever your current project is. As Nike says, “just do it.”
2. Write in a different genre to flex your writing skills.
3. Develop copywriting skills for your marketing materials.
4. Step up your research skillset.
5. Work on your cultivating editing skills — developmental, line editing, and copyediting. If this isn’t your strong suit, find an appropriate editor or a critique partner who is a straight shooter. NHWP offers a great discount on AutoCrit, an editing software, to help you tighten your manuscript.
6. Revisit some of your older unpublished work and submit it to a magazine or other outlet. Check out NHWP’s Great Leads to help you with suggestions.
7. Enter a writing competition.
8. Challenge yourself to secure a defined number of book reviews.
9. Create or update your author’s blog and post once a week.
10. Join a writing community or sign up for a writing lab for support and educational opportunities. We suggest the NHWP, of course. Join or renew here.
11. Attempt to make a new “writing” friend a month.
12. Treat yourself to a writing workshop. If your budget doesn’t support this, ask someone for a workshop as a birthday or anniversary gift. NHWP has gift certificates available.
13. Read more.
14. Openly refer to yourself as a writer.
15. Know your audience and write accordingly. This is a big one. If you are trying to write for everyone, you aren’t writing for anyone.
16. Research book review platforms such as Goodreads, Riffle, and blogs to help market your new book.
17. Forgo flowery language and write simply.
18. Remain true to yourself. Don’t compromise your values. At least some of your paid work should reflect your ethics.
19. Write, whether you feel like it or not.
20. Rewrite until your fingers are numb. No one knocks it out of the park with a first draft.

Resolve to become a better writer in 2022 by choosing practices from this list of resolutions. Sticking to them will put you on a successful path.

To your health, happiness, and serenity in 2022!