So we’ve all made it to another year! Isn’t that wonderful? Let’s be grateful to not only still be on this wonderful earth but a new year means new horizons and goals for your writing! The first thing I want you to do is throw away all that negativity. Just throw it away and don’t think of it again. Take a deep breath and let all those worries slip away. Negativity leads to destruction and you want your new writing year to start right. Because of this, I want to inspire you by providing ten rules, well not rules but more like helpful tips of motivation and positivity to keep you going.

I hope they help!

1.      Be positive

Leave the negativity in 2012. It won’t follow you unless you let it.

2.      Set goals you can control

It’s important for all writers to have goals but make them goals that you can control. Don’t have your mind set on getting a six figure advance or making the bestseller list. You cannot control those things but you can control how much you’re going to write and work on your craft. Making goals that you can’t deliver sets you up for disappointment.

3.      Be open to learning from your fellow writers

Have an open heart and mind this year. Sometimes we are too busy thinking we know everything that we can’t learn from others. Your fellow writers are a sea of information and you owe it to yourself to appreciate that and take advantage.

4.      Don’t get discouraged

Not everything works out how we expect it to. Some books don’t sell well and some authors can’t get their books published in the first place. So what? You can’t control it so don’t let it steal your joy. Aren’t you here because you love to write? Well then, nothing else matters. Be faithful to your priorities. Remember why you want to be a writer and you’ll be satisfied with whatever comes your way.

5.      Stop worrying about other writers and just do you

Stay in your own lane. Revisit my successful author post on writer jealousy if you don’t remember why you should mind your own business. It’s best for everyone.

6.      Make this the year of no excuses

If you’re gonna be a writer, write. If you’re gonna start that editing business, start it. If you’re gonna self-publish and your book is in professional shape, do it. If you got revisions that you’ve been fighting off since last year, get to it. This is the year of no excuses and like Nike says, “Just Do It”.

7.      Challenge yourself and continue to learn

A closed mind is a waste of time. Part of the writing life is learning. You will never stop having to learn in this business so you need to embrace it. You also need to continue to challenge yourself. Once writing has gotten too easy then there is a problem. You want to be the best you can be and you do that by learning.

8.      Share your knowledge with the peers of your industry

Don’t be greedy with what you’ve learned. Help your fellow writer out sometimes and lend them a hand. You never know what you might end up with in return.

9.      Be open to new ideas

Don’t limit your writing. Venture out and don’t be afraid to try new things. Just make sure you do it because you want to and not for book sales.

10.  Believe in yourself

If you don’t, who will?

Stacy-Deanne

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