We want to do better, we wish to improve specific areas of our
lives, we hope that this time the resolution will work. However,
any change requires prior planning.
If we want a better car, we must decide daily to skip the fancy
coffee and save our money. If we want a clean, organized, Better
Homes and Gardens worthy home; we must tackle our clutter, buy
judiciously, and plan which chores to do on which days of the week.
If we want a closer relationship with God, we must choose a regular
time for personal Bible reading and prayer (not only devotional
books).
If we want our writing to be published, we must invest time studying
writing techniques (grammar, non-fiction article styles, fiction’s
character and plot tips, or poetic forms) AND set aside a regular
time and place to write. While some people write “when the
mood strikes” and others when a deadline looms, the surest
way to become a regularly published author is to write regularly.
Whether
you are able to write daily or weekly, choose a time and stick
with it. My best writing time is right after my morning Bible
study and quiet time when my thoughts are freshly aligned with
God’s will, my creative spirit feels renewed, and the day’s
interruptions and unplanned emergencies have not yet begun. Whether
I’m editing a drafted piece, beginning a new writing project,
or free-flow writing in a journal to jump-start the creative flow;
maintaining a regular time conditions my mind to be ready to write.
During the teaching semester, daily writing time is rare for me;
so I generally set aside writing time on Saturdays. Also, I plan
daily writing time on many of my writing projects during summer
break; drafting as many pieces as I can for the coming year, then
editing them during the college semester. Just figure out what
will work for your lifestyle, choose a time, and practice writing
regularly.
Remember
our mini-session on Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals? Sticking
with a regular writing time (or exercise time, etc) depends on
your goals. So begin your writing year by investing time in setting
S.M.A.R.T. Goals. Make them:
