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Noticing Newbies: January 01, 2013 Issue [#5447]

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Noticing Newbies


 This week: Writing Resolutions
  Edited by: Sara♥Jean Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

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Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Writing Resolutions
Every new year, many people make resolutions. Let's make some writing resolutions you can actually keep.


Yes. Yes. Even those who say, "My resolution this year is to make no resolutions!" They have already broken their own resolution, because the statement is a resolution in itself.

With writing, as with life, we need to remember to make goals achievable. If you have been very sporadic about writing for years, making a resolution to write 2,000 words a day every day for the entire year is one that is a tough one to keep. (Just like those who don't exercise much (me) decide to make resolutions to exercise for an hour every day (ouch), we are setting ourselves up for some failure there.)

Here are my suggestions for creating good resolutions that you can actually keep, and that might actually be able to be built upon come the next new year.

1. Start Small, and Build
Maybe you do want to eventually write 2,000 words a day. That is ok! But you can't start with that. Writing is actually very closely related to exercise. You start with ten minutes a day, then have it grow to fifteen, then twenty, then thirty... Keep it growing and growing all year long, and by the end of the year you could be writing those 2,000 words a day.

If it were me, honestly, I'd start with something like this:
January - 10 minutes on at least 4 days a week
February - 15 minutes on at least 4 days a week
March through April - 30 minutes on at least 4 days a week
May through June - 45 minutes on at least 4 days a week
July through August - 60 minutes on at least 4 days a week
September - 60 minutes on at least 5 days a week
October - 60 minutes on 6 days a week
November - NaNoWriMo!
December - Edit NaNoWriMo

Notice how I never go to 7 days a week (though November may force that). I am a strong believer that a day should be built in for rest, circumstances, etc. Sometimes it just can't happen for whatever reason. Make that day flexible, so you can take the break when you need it.


2. Give Yourself Time to Adjust
It is true that you may be able to get ahead on the above schedule, and that is ok. The important part is giving yourself time to adjust to whatever schedule you are trying before moving on to a new one.


3. Give Yourself a Break
You aren't perfect. None of us are. If you decide to try something like this, give yourself a break! Make sure you realize that you will mess up and make mistakes. Stand up, brush yourself off, and keep on trying.


4. Do it. Whether you want to or not.
The important part, if you really want to succeed, is to do it. Whether or not you want to, just do it. Write for that fifteen minutes, even if you aren't in the mood to do so. Pick up that pen, or pencil, or keyboard, and just do it.


And by all means, have a glorious and wonderful 2013!


Editor's Picks

Let's look at a story about resolutions, and then a few of the other WdC members' resolutions for this year.

Good Intentions Open in new Window. (13+)
Ashley makes a resolution and wreaks havoc on those around her. 1st in resolution contest!
#1057724 by River Song Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1911055 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1911027 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1911017 by Not Available.


January Writing Resolutions Open in new Window. (13+)
State three things involving writing to be completed by January 31st
#1910960 by Jimminy Jingle! Author IconMail Icon


 Resolutions for 2013 ---Completed! Open in new Window. (13+)
Writing resolutions for January 2013
#1910739 by FireFly_2 Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1910612 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1910563 by Not Available.


 Writing Resolutions - Completed! Open in new Window. (E)
Three goals I COMPLETED by January 31!
#1910484 by Oriana Author IconMail Icon

 
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Ask & Answer

C.Evil Author Icon said: Changing font, color and use of italics can be great in your writing. I am starting to use it in my blog. It makes more interesting and vivid. Thanks for the great tips!

You are quite welcome! I find it quite fun to play with the fonts.

jim1184 Author Icon said: Great news letter. These are good tips and when my massive edit campaign gets underway, formatting will be one of the starting points. I will attempt this on the next chapter. Thanks Jim.
PS, I suck with computers and once the words start to flow all techno stuff goes by the wayside.

Well, there is nothing wrong with starting with a pen/pencil and paper. I wish you the best of luck!

Zheila Author Icon said: Hi there;

Very useful information. I had already knew about the bold and font type but it is always good to have a review.

I am glad you enjoyed it. *Smile*

ashi Author Icon said: I have submitted so many items ,but I have given no credit and no appreciation or encouragement as I am good writer and poet in urdu language.I have no money to publish my books also, so I am very much dis hearted.

I think all I can tell you is... keep trying. Persistence is key in the road to recognition and publication.

This Week's Question:
Are you making any resolutions this year, writing or otherwise? Feel free to let us know what they are! I'll put them in my February newsletter, and help give you a little nudge of reminder that way. *Smile*

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