As writers, we've all experienced that surge of excitement when a new story idea blooms in our minds. We dive into the blank page, determined to let our ideas flow. However, after a while, we often find ourselves caught in the web of writer's block, disrupted schedules, or a general lack of direction. This is where the power of planning weekly literary goals comes into play. By setting targets like word count, maintaining a character bible, or having a publishing checklist, we can set ourselves up for writing success.
The Magic of Word Count Goals
Having a word count goal isn't about churning out a certain number of words mindlessly. Rather, it serves as a motivational tool that encourages consistent writing habits. When you set a weekly word count goal, say 5000 words, you're creating a tangible target that gives you a sense of direction and progress.
Word count goals can vary depending on your writing style, available time, and the project you're working on. The key is consistency. Writing a little every day can add up to significant progress over time. Plus, it keeps you engaged with your work and maintains the creative momentum.
The Character Bible: Your Story's Backbone
While word count goals help you move forward, a character bible ensures your story has depth and consistency. This is a document where you record everything about your characters - from their physical traits to their backstory, their motivations, relationships, and even their quirks.
Keeping a well-maintained character bible as a part of your weekly goals helps you create multi-dimensional characters that resonate with readers. It also ensures consistency in your character's actions and dialogue, providing a reference point throughout your writing process.
The Publishing Checklist: Your Roadmap to Success
Whether you're aiming to publish traditionally or self-publish, having a publishing checklist can guide you through the complex process. It can include steps like:
1. Completing the manuscript
2. Self-editing
3. Professional editing
4. Cover design
5. Formatting for publication
6. Copyright Registration
7. Marketing and promotion strategies
A weekly goal related to your publishing checklist could be as simple as researching potential literary agents or planning a social media promotion strategy for your book. This helps break down the overwhelming task of publishing into manageable chunks, setting you up for success.
Putting it into Practice
While these tools are effective, remember that flexibility is crucial. Some weeks, you might exceed your word count goal; other times, you may need to focus on character development. Your plans should serve as guidelines, not rigid rules.
To integrate these into your routine:
1. Start with realistic word count goals. If you're new to this, start small and gradually increase your target. Celebrate every achievement to keep yourself motivated.
2. Dedicate time each week to work on your character bible. It could be exploring a character's backstory or detailing their relationships with other characters.
3. Allocate time to work on your publishing checklist. Even if publication seems far off, having a clear idea of the steps can guide your journey and make the process less daunting when the time comes.
Planning weekly literary goals can be a game-changer for your writing journey. Not only does it keep you organized and focused, but it also ensures consistent progress toward your ultimate goal—seeing your work published and in the hands of eager readers. By integrating word count goals, maintaining a character bible, and working through a publishing checklist, you're setting the foundation for your writing success. So go ahead, plan your goals, and watch your literary dreams come to fruition.
Thank you all for following along with the Summer Reset Series. Let us know what helpful tips you might want to see in the future. Stay tuned!
Comments