I’ve always made New Year’s Resolutions.  Okay before you grumble and growl, they have nothing to do with diet, exercise or even romance.  They’re about making me happier.

Two years ago, I vowed to drink more coffee.  Hey, why not. Science is proving that coffee is good for us, or bad for us, depending on the study you want to read.  I’m going for good and now happily have 3 cups a day without any guilt.

Last year it was to read more novels.  I read a lot as a ghostwriter and university professor and mentor.  My days are filled with words and sitting at the computer reading them and putting them down.  Come the end of the day, I was far too word-wasted to read. Yet, as I’ve harped on with you far too much (yeah, I know it) we writers must read in our genre or the genres we want to write for.  How can I preach and teach if I don’t follow my own advice? Actually, it was easy. I just assume I’d get around to it.

That procrastination ended when Coco Rose Shaw, Welsh terrier pistol of a puppy, joined our family this past summer.  Potty training was not an issue cuz she totally ignored the concept. One day I slipped on a piddle puddle, fractures bones I didn’t know I owned.  For four months, I did not do much other than write, teach and yes, read. Since the “incident” I’ve plowed through dozens and dozens of novels. Forced rest did that for me.  I read good ones (anything by Louise Penny) and bad ones. From each I’ve studied what my WIP, work in progress, needs.

Break it down:  Take a big wish/task and using the bubble method break it into twenty or so tiny pieces.  Then list these twenty and try to do one a day or one a week if you’re plate is full. I didn’t tell myself to read 150 plus novels in four months; I read some each evening.

Return to the basics:  Study the craft of writing and read some basic books or take basic classes on your specific area, whether that’s dialogue or description.  Maybe you need to learn how to interview or research historic events. This can be especially true if you want to change genres or enter a new field.  As I read, I studied how dialogue and characterization influenced the plots, for good and bad, just as I might have in writing course, taking baby steps.

Ask yourself “what if…”:  Yes, tweaking/changing a location, year or characters will put a new spin on that novel?  What if you interview experts and authorities? There’s an old cliché that says, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.”  Weird, but I get it. Don’t dump your entire book, article or essay if just some of it needs tweaking. It’s okay to put it aside for a while, let it cool and then read it with fresh eyes.

Be nice:  Care for your writing self as you’d want to be supported by a kind mentor.  Your brilliant mentor wouldn’t tell you forget about it and take up pickleball.  She/he’d support you. If you don’t have a friend who understands the angst of writing, then create an imaginary mentor.  Just don’t talk with your imaginary mentor around non-writers as they already think we’re nuts.

Treats are good:  I love rewards when baby steps are successful.  “Wow, that’s done,” feels great to say. Treat yourself to a walk, a call to a friend, a ten-minute nap when a baby-step goal is accomplished.  Chocolate never hurt, too. Can’t think of any treats? Use the bubble method and come up with your own.  

Wherever you go and whatever you do in 2020, my prayer for all of you, dear writers, is take baby steps and get strong and confident with your skills.  Be good to others and enjoy the thrill of creativity.