Writing Routines for Authors with Big Goals: A Step-by-Step Guide
5-Steps to a Daily Routine to Achieve your Biggest Writing Goals
Stop dreaming about that finished manuscript and start writing it! Big goals don’t have to feel out of reach—not when you’ve got a step-by-step plan to tackle them daily. This guide will help you create a writing routine that supports your ambitions, whether you’re aiming to write your first novel, land an agent, or self-publish a bestseller. Let’s break it down so you can turn your big writing dreams into actionable steps. [Step 5 is my absolute favorite!!]
Step 1: Define Your Big Writing Goals
First things first: you need a goal. Did you know that you are 42% more likely to carry out your goals if you have them written down? We are not talking about a vague, wishy-washy goal like "I want to write more." Having clear, actionable goals that you can work toward and measure is one of the top book writing tips I can give you. Without writing down my goals, I wouldn’t be where I am and I would be unclear about what I need to do next.
Here are some examples of big writing goals that feel ambitious but totally doable with the right plan:
Finish a 60,000-word novel within 12 months.
Write and publish 3 short stories this year.
Query 50 literary agents by the end of next quarter.
Self-publish your debut book and sell 500 copies within a year.
Build a daily writing habit of 1,000 words.
Pick a goal that excites you but also feels realistic based on your current schedule and responsibilities. (If you’re juggling a 9-to-5 and a few kids (and all their laundry), don’t commit to writing a trilogy in six months. Just saying.)
Once you’ve chosen your big goal, write it down. Better yet, use my Writing Goals Tracker Printable to map it out. Seeing it on paper makes it real (and you are 42% more likely to achieve it).
Step 2: Break It Down Into Manageable Pieces
Big goals can be intimidating—but not when you chop them up into smaller, bite-sized tasks. Think of your goal as a staircase. You’re not leaping to the top in one go; you’re climbing it step by step.
Set Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly Goals
Here’s how you can break down a big goal into actionable intervals. Let’s use the example of finishing a 60,000-word novel in a year:
Yearly Goal: Write a 60,000-word novel.
Quarterly Goal: Write 15,000 words per quarter (about 5,000 words per month).
Monthly Goal: Write 5,000 words (roughly 167 words per day if writing every day).
Weekly Goal: Write 1,250 words (or 2-3 focused writing sessions of 500 words each).
Daily Goal: Write 167 words (takes about 10-15 minutes for most writers).
By breaking it down this way, you can clearly see how manageable your big goal becomes. And here’s the best part: if you’re consistent, you’ll probably finish ahead of schedule.
How to Allocate Time to Your Goals
Not every goal requires the same amount of time each day. Use this guide to balance your tasks:
Daily Goals: Focused and short. For example, write for 30 minutes or hit a specific word count.
Weekly Goals: Slightly bigger chunks of work, like editing one chapter or outlining the next.
Monthly Goals: Broader milestones, such as completing a draft of a short story.
Quarterly Goals: Reflect and adjust. Are you on track? What needs tweaking?
Pro Tip: Use tools like timers and writing trackers to keep yourself organized. Need recommendations? Check out my Writing Goals Tracker Printable or this cute Pomodoro Productivity Timer Cube to keep your sessions on point.
Pomodoro Productivity Timer Cube on Amazon.com
Step 3: Stay Accountable and Track Your Progress
Accountability is the secret sauce that keeps your goals alive. Tracking your progress not only helps you stay motivated but also gives you tangible proof of how far you’ve come.
Here’s how to stay on track:
Use a Printable: My Writing Goals Tracker is designed to help you break down and track your goals. It’s perfect for monitoring daily word counts and long-term progress.
Celebrate Milestones: Finished a draft? Treat yourself to a new notebook or a coffee date with a fellow writer. Recognizing your achievements fuels your momentum.
Check in Weekly: Spend 10 minutes every week reviewing what you’ve accomplished and planning for the next week.
“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” – Jack London.
Step 4: Be Flexible and Adjust as Needed
Life happens. Maybe your 167-word daily goal feels impossible this week because of, well, life. That’s okay! Your writing routine isn’t carved in stone. Adjust as needed, but don’t give up.
If you miss a day, don’t panic. Just pick up where you left off.
If your goal feels too ambitious, scale back. Instead of 1,000 words a day, try 500. Progress is progress.
And if you’re ahead of schedule, reward yourself and keep going. Momentum is your best friend.
Step 5: Celebrate Your Wins
Small celebrations can reinforce the habit and keep motivation high. Reaching milestones isn’t just about the progress you’ve made—it’s also a reminder of the bigger picture: You’re doing it!
Here are some ideas for celebrating your wins:
Treat yourself to some new writer gear. Check out these fun options in my Etsy shop - The Quill Cottage
Take a break and read that book you’ve been dying to start.
Buy a writing craft book. Check out my top 8 favorite books on writing: Books on Writing Craft
Share your progress with friends or on social media—you deserve the kudos!
Recognizing your achievements doesn’t just feel good; it also builds momentum to keep going. Celebrate every step, big or small.
Start Today, Not Someday
Building a daily writing routine isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up consistently. Define your goals, break them down, and track your progress. With this plan, you’ll turn your big writing dreams into tangible results, one day at a time.
Ready to get started? Grab my Writing Goals Tracker to map out your goals and start climbing that staircase today. You’ve got this!
The Best Goals For Beginner Writers:
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