30 Ways Authors Can Prepare for the New Year

As writers, we are getting ready to close out another year of ferocious writing. Like all other aspects of our lives, there are plenty of ways that we can get ourselves prepared for the New Year.

30 Ways Authors Can Prepare For the New Year

1. Buy a new notebook (or several).
2. Review what you have written this year.
3. Finish any unfinished writings, blog pieces, articles, etc., which speak to you.
4. Reflect on why pieces were left unfinished.
5. Buy new journals for various projects to keep your ideas/writings organized.
6. Set up a writing environment for meditation and journaling.
7. Take care of any nagging health issues -- emotional, spiritual or physical.
8. Buy a sketchbook to map ideas or expand a writing in graphical format.
9. Buy new pens, pencils and erasers.
10. Note your most productive and creative writing times. Block them off and schedule into your calendar.
11. Get plenty of rest.
12. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
13. Have a passion-based purpose for writing. (It will keep you motivated during dry spells and focused on your mission, rather than just your feelings.)
14. Make a mini vision board that represents your commitment to writing for 2016. (Look at it when you need a reminder.)
15. Create a lovely environment to write in, complete with a rad new desk and decorations which inspire creativity.
16. Prepare a music playlist.
17. Test out new productivity approaches to see if they might be a good fit for you.
18. Put away the fear you have around writing.
19. Consider partnering with a writing coach to help you meet your goals and explore new methods of writing.
20. Research writing conferences you'd like to attend in the new year. (I've got my eye on Dani Shapiro's workshops and Hippocamp!)
21. Make a backup of your digital work.
22. Add photos to any digital entries.
23. Print digital entries and make a notebook of your writings for 2015.
24. Gather your favorite candle scents and oils for the new year. (Your writing brain loves scent stimulation.)
25. Stock up on your favorite coffees and teas.
26. Set writing goals for 2016.
27. Add some color to your writing life! Purchase some bright markers or chalks.
28. Research some new writing techniques you'd like to try in 2016.
29. If you are an artsy person, give art journaling a try to bring more creativity into your life.
30. Join or head-up a writing group in your town. Writing is always more fun when shared with others!