Creative Writing Tips: 10 Crucial Writing Goals for Beginners
10 Achievable Writing Goals for Beginners
Stop aiming for "write a bestseller" and start setting goals you can actually crush. As a new writer, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of writing the next great novel, but here’s the truth: you’re not going to get there by staring at a blank screen and waiting for divine inspiration. The secret? Consistency. The small, bite-sized goals you achieve every day will get you to the finish line faster than you think.
But let’s face it, setting goals is hard. Especially when we’re all juggling life, work, and maybe even a few kids. So, let’s break it down into 10 achievable writing goals that you can actually stick with. And by the end, you’ll see that writing consistently isn’t just possible—it’s absolutely within your reach.
Why Realistic Goals Matter
If your writing goals feel impossible to achieve, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Ever set a New Year’s resolution like “lose 30 pounds” or “run a marathon” and then found yourself 2 weeks later on the couch with a bag of chips? Yeah, that’s the same thing that happens when you set sky-high goals for your writing. You get overwhelmed, frustrated, and then… nothing happens. You quit.
But here’s the good news: You can still reach your big dreams by breaking them down into bite-sized goals. As Stephen King famously said, “The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that, things can only get better.” The key is just starting—and keeping that momentum going.
10 Achievable Writing Goals to Build Consistency
Now that we know why small goals matter, let’s dive into the list of achievable writing goals you can start TODAY. These aren’t wild fantasies; these are goals that will make you feel productive. And when you feel productive, you’ll be excited to write each and every day.
Goal 1. Write for 15 Minutes Daily
Picture this: You’ve got a cup of tea, your favorite cozy sweater, and your laptop in front of you. You set a timer for 15 minutes. No distractions. You start writing. It’s easy, right?
This might sound too simple, but small, consistent writing habits add up. Fifteen minutes a day might not seem like much, but that’s over 90 hours of writing in a year. Imagine what you could accomplish!
Goal 2. Complete One Page a Day
“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.” Anne Lamott
One page. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It doesn’t even need to be great. But getting that page down is a solid goal. Whether you’re working on a novel, short story, or essay, a single page each day helps you see real progress.
Goal 3. Finish a Short Story or Poem
Ever feel like writing a full-length novel is just too daunting? Start smaller. Write a short story or poem. Set a goal to finish one in the next month.
Short projects allow you to experiment with different writing styles and genres, and most importantly, you’ll finish something. It’s that sense of completion that keeps you going.
Picture this: You’ve just written the last line of your short story. You read it aloud and smile because you did it. That feeling is priceless.
Goal 4. Outline Your Next Writing Project
If you’re anything like me, the idea of jumping straight into writing without a plan feels like chaos. That’s where outlining comes in. Whether you’re writing a book, a blog post, or a screenplay, having a solid roadmap makes the process feel a lot more manageable.
A good outline is like a GPS for your story. And as Neil Gaiman wisely said, “The best advice I ever got was to write the first draft with the door closed, and the second draft with the door open.” The first draft will be messy. That’s fine. But knowing where you’re going makes it easier to get started.
Goal 5. Experiment with Writing Prompts
Sometimes, we get stuck in a creative rut. This is where writing prompts come to the rescue. They’re like little sparks to get your imagination fired up.
You can find prompts anywhere—from writing groups, social media, or even apps designed to give you fresh ideas. Set a goal to write one prompt-based piece every week. You might be surprised at what you discover about your writing style!
Goal 6. Read and Analyze a Book in Your Genre
You know the saying, “Good writers are good readers”? It’s true. But don’t just read for fun—read with purpose.
As a writer, you need to understand how successful authors in your genre structure their work. What makes them tick? How do they build tension, set scenes, or develop characters? Set a goal to read at least one book in your genre every month, and actively analyze the techniques that make it work.
Goal 7. Set a Word Count Goal for the Month
If you’re serious about hitting your writing targets, setting a monthly word count goal is a game-changer.
Start small. Maybe 5,000 words in a month. That’s just 200-250 words per day! Once you’ve hit your goal, you’ll feel like a writing machine, and hitting those numbers consistently will create momentum.
Goal 8. Revise a Piece You’ve Written
“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.” Terry Pratchett
No one gets it perfect the first time. Revising doesn’t have to be scary. Whether it’s a blog post, short story, or chapter, commit to revising something you’ve already written. Maybe you’ll focus on one chapter, or one paragraph—either way, this is your chance to polish and refine your work.
Goal 9. Join a Writing Group or Workshop
Writing can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Join a writing group or take part in an online workshop.
Getting feedback from other writers helps you grow, and they’ll keep you accountable. It’s also a great way to find inspiration and get advice on your craft. “Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go,” said E.L. Doctorow.
Goal 10. Submit to a Contest or Publication
This one is huge. Put yourself out there. Whether it’s submitting to a writing contest, magazine, or a literary journal, this goal will push you to step outside your comfort zone.
The truth is, you’ll never know what your writing is capable of until you send it out into the world. And if it doesn’t get accepted? That’s okay! Keep submitting. It’s part of the journey.
How to Track Your Progress
The key to staying consistent is knowing how to track your goals. Keep a writing journal, use a planner, or download an app like Scrivener to track your daily word count and milestones.
Don’t forget to celebrate small wins. Maybe you completed a chapter, hit your word count, or finished a draft. Whatever it is, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come.
Troubleshooting Common Roadblocks
We all hit roadblocks—whether it’s procrastination, writer’s block, or just feeling overwhelmed by life. But remember, progress is progress, no matter how small.
If you’re struggling with procrastination, try setting a timer for 10 minutes and just write. You’ll be surprised how quickly you get into the flow.
And if you’re feeling stuck, remember what Anne Lamott says: “Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don’t give up.”
Conclusion
Building a writing habit takes time, but it’s completely doable. Start with one or two of these goals, and you’ll see your writing practice evolve.
If you’re ready to take your writing to the next level and need some help getting there, grab my writing worksheet to keep you on track. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
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