It’s the most wonderful time…burp…hic!

Melly…Memmy…Happy Christmas, readers. It’s that time of year again. The kids are full of sugar, the turkey is a charred mess in the bin, and the local pizza parlour is cooking dinner.

“What are you going to do with all this spare time?” I hear you ask. I hope it was you; I may have had too much Christmas Juice.

Anyway…I’m going to write, of course. Thank you for asking.

If anybody has ever felt the need, or the urge, to write, then what better time to start than in the new year.

Most of us make our resolutions around this time – some of them even last as long as the 2nd January – and setting a writing goal should be at the forefront of every writer’s mind. It doesn’t matter if you’re an old hat or a willing amateur, we all benefit from targets.

“What kind of targets?” you cry.

It doesn’t matter but I’ll give you a few tips on creating ones you are likely to stick at.

1. Make them realistic

If you aim to write a nineteen-tome epic fantasy by January 30th, you may have set the bar a little high. Make your goals achievable but don’t make them too easy, otherwise what’s the point?

2. Allow yourself to fail

Not all goals are achievable no matter how hard you work. Life has a way of interfering with the writing process (I call it research). Do your best and allow yourself to fail. But, after that, get back on that horse and keep going.

3. Form a habit

The more your write, the easier it gets. Forming a habit will make it seem less of a chore on the days you don’t really feel like writing.

4. Don’t give up

I refer you back to the horse statement in point 2. Writing can be tough and it can be thankless at times, but it can also be exhilarating and indescribable. If you really want to write, make it happen, even if it’s only a few words a day.

5. Make it public

If you’re like me, you’ll hate all the media attention (pffft…) but be sure to announce your goals, even if this is only to your friends and family. Why would you do this? It makes you accountable and you’ll be amazed at how many people will give you their support and encouragement.

Okay. That’s all from me. There’s still a little more liquid at the bottom of these three bottles and so I will take my leave.

Happy holidays from all of us here at Sarcastic Muse.

What are your writing goals for 2015? Share them in the comments below.