Setting Writing Goals That Actually Work

The start of a new year always feels like a fresh slate, doesn’t it? It’s that perfect time to set writing goals and dream about what’s possible for your craft. Whether you’re working on a novel, essays, or just trying to build a daily writing habit, there’s something so energizing about turning the page and starting anew.

But setting writing goals – and actually achieving them – takes more than enthusiasm. It requires reflection, intention, and a plan that fits your life. Over the years, I’ve developed a system that helps writers set meaningful goals while honoring the creative process. It’s not about perfection or rigid rules – it’s about creating a framework that allows your creativity to thrive while keeping you moving forward. Let’s dive in.

Start by Reflecting on the Past Year

Before you set new goals, it’s important to reflect on the past year. What did you accomplish? Maybe you finished a draft, wrote more consistently, or tried a new style of writing. These wins, no matter how small they may feel, deserve to be celebrated.

One of the tools I recommend for reflection is journaling. Spend a few minutes asking yourself:

• What were my writing goals last year?
• Did I hit them? If not, why?
• What writing habits worked for me? What didn’t?

If you’re a data person like me, tools like Scrivener can also help. Their project tracking feature shows how many words you wrote month by month, offering a clear snapshot of your progress. It’s a great way to remind yourself of all the work you’ve put in, even if it doesn’t always feel like enough.

Set Goals You Can Actually Achieve

Once you’ve reflected on where you’ve been, it’s time to look forward. Where do you want to be a year from now? Maybe you want to finish a novel, complete a short story collection, or finally stick to a daily writing practice. Whatever your big goal is, the key is to break it down into manageable chunks.

Here’s how I do it:

1. Set an annual goal. Let’s say you want to write an 80,000-word novel.
2. Divide it into quarterly goals. That’s 20,000 words per quarter.
3. Break it down even further. Writing 20,000 words in 13 weeks (Q1 of 2025) means about 1,500 words per week. The average person writes about 500 words per hour, so that’s 3 hours a week you need to carve out. 

If word counts don’t feel right for you, consider tracking hours instead. For instance, committing to 12 hours of writing per week might feel less intimidating than aiming for a specific number of words.

Plan Around Your Schedule

Life is busy, and writing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. That’s why it’s essential to get realistic about your schedule. Look at the weeks ahead and mark the days you’ll actually be able to write. Maybe you’re a weekend writer, or maybe early mornings are your sweet spot. Whatever works for you, commit to showing up consistently.

Remember, writing isn’t just about putting words on the page. It’s also about brainstorming, revising, and sometimes just staring out the window while you figure out what happens next. All of that counts as part of the process, so don’t underestimate the value of those quiet, reflective moments.

Hold Goals Loosely to Honor Creativity

Here’s the thing about creative work: it doesn’t always fit neatly into a timeline. While deadlines can be helpful, they can also feel constraining if they’re too rigid. That’s why I like to treat goals as intentions rather than strict rules.

Say you’re thinking, ‘I must finish this chapter by Friday.’ Try shifting it to ‘I’ll focus on this chapter this week, even if it’s just a rough draft.’ Or take the goal ‘Write 500 words every day’ and reframe it as ‘Show up to write for 30 minutes, even if I only write 50 words.'”

This approach gives you a framework to stay on track while leaving room for the creative process to unfold naturally. It’s all about finding that balance between structure and flexibility.

Accountability Is Your Secret Weapon

Accountability is one of the most powerful tools for achieving your goals. Whether it’s a writing group, a coach, or even just a commitment to yourself, having a system to check in can make all the difference.

Here’s a trick I love: write yourself an email with the subject line “Q1 Writing Goals” and include your intentions for the next three months. When the quarter ends, open the email and assess how you did. It’s a simple but effective way to stay accountable and reflect on your progress.

Writing Is a Journey

At the end of the day, writing is about progress, not perfection. It’s about showing up, day after day, even when the words feel clunky or the story feels stuck. Every word you write, every minute you spend thinking about your story, is a step forward.

As you step into this new year, give yourself permission to celebrate your wins, however small. Set goals that inspire you, but hold them loosely enough to honor the creative process. And most importantly, keep writing – because your story matters.

Here’s to a year of mindful writing, steady progress, and the joy of creating something truly meaningful. Let’s make 2025 a year to celebrate.