Manifest Your Creative Writing Goals in 2025
It’s very likely that you don’t need to work harder to enhance your writing goals. But rather, you need to work smarter by better utilizing the support system, life experience, and resources you already have access to. Please notice that I used the word “enhance” because you can write more than one book or poetry collection. Or eventually exit your day job to be a full-time, freelance writer. You do not have to, of course. But do not place unnecessary limits on your potential.
Also, try to circumvent “the pursuit of perfection” from becoming a problem before you have even drafted 500 words this year. Example: I adore a well-curated aesthetic “writing nook” photo on Instagram as much as anyone else. But that’s not how writing dreams go from being fantasies to reality. You do not need more stuff (i.e., updated decor for your home office, a cute new journal with matching pens, etc.). The real necessity is a plan for how you are going to consistently make time to write, as well as connect with others who are as passionate about reading and writing as you are. Thus, add clarity and community to your 2025 bingo card ASAP.
Finding your people and your power is what will ultimately propel you toward getting works-in-progress done, revised, and published—plus creating opportunities for you to actually make a profit inthe process. And I promise you, it is a process. Remaining grounded in that reality can lessen the sting of rejection letters, challenging feedback in critique groups, and struggling to figure out which story you are most equipped to tell at this present moment. Which is why carving out time to align our focus with where our physical, mental, and emotional energies are flowing is essential.
Visualizing what you want will never be enough if intentional action such as setting boundaries with yourself—or others—never comes to fruition. This might require figuring out how to spend your time (and perhaps money) more wisely. The beginning of the year is an advantageous time to decide if there is a lit fest, conference, or another writing-related event you would like to attend in 2025. The same goes for finding writing fellowships, grants, mentorships, or residencies you could apply for. Budgeting for a manuscript critique before you start querying literary agents in the months ahead is another possibility. You might silence all app notifications on your phone or cancel a streaming service in order to reclaim the hours spent mindlessly scrolling online or binge-watching shows. None of us can do all of the aforementioned. Nor do we need to.
Determine what purpose writing is serving in your life presently. If it is simply a form of artistic expression you enjoy, embrace the freedom in that realization. Give yourself permission to play by experimenting with different formats or taking a writing class that “sounds fun.” Ideally, any endeavor in life into which time and creativity are voluntarily poured into should soothe—as well as nourish—our spirits. Be still enough to feel the slight flutter of your heart quickening when the words inside of you are released onto the page. The magic of manifestation is already rooted within us. However, to weld it, we must choose to begin, recenter… then begin again
P.S. Looking for inspiration on how to create intentional space for your creativity? In a recent episode of The Sheletta Show, Rachel shared insights from her Communal Day of Care for Writers of Color and Indigenous writers at the Loft. Listen to the full interview here!