2021 is here. Will this be the year when you realize your dreams of becoming a writer?

Most people who aspire to become writers don’t know where and how to start their writing life.

Well, the first step to becoming a writer is to envision yourself as a writer. It’s important to visualize the things you will do and how you will progress this year. Doing so will help you create a roadmap that will take you to your dream writing life.

If 2021 is finally the year you decide to pursue your dream of becoming a writer; then it’s time to envision your life as a writer.

So, let’s get started.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

― Maya Angelou

Step 1 — Set Goals to Reach your Writing Life Dreams in 2021

When you are just starting, it may seem unreal to think about your big dreams. However, now is the best time to dream when you are fully motivated and committed to step into your writing life. That’s why this is the best time to write your goals.

You cannot plan your life and envision yourself as a writer in one day (see also ‘How To Plan For The Next Chapter Of Your Life‘). Instead, dedicate a few days to complete these steps.

Start by writing your big goals.

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to become a best-selling author? 
• Do you want to write and publish two books in XYZ time? 
• Do you need to earn xxx dollars this year?

Your answers will help you determine your long-term goals.

Step 2 —  Draw a Roadmap to Determine your Next Steps

Now that you know your end goal let your dreams show you direction.

Start researching the steps you need to take to start your journey. Whether you plan to self-publish your book or look for ways to begin writing, your research will help you determine your next step and draw a roadmap.

Step 3 — Write on Subjects that Inspire You

This is where the fun begins; this is where you start writing. When you start, write about topics that you enjoy. Most importantly, choose topics that you already know. This will minimize your research time, and you will be able to write more.

Once you get into the habit of writing, you can shift to more challenging subjects. If you look around, you will find topics everywhere.

“And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”

― Sylvia Plath

Step 4 — Don’t Focus on Perfection

Dreams to become a writer come true, but the dreams to become a perfect writer never do. No matter how great you are, you will make mistakes. There will be times when you will feel short of ideas, or your writing will seem unengaging and boring to you.

Don’t be hard on yourself. There is nothing like a perfect writer or perfect writing. The best writers read and edit their works after writing. If you cannot do that, you can hire someone to check and edit your work for you.

“You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then, gradually, you get better at it.

That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.”

― Octavia E. Butler

Step 5 — Get an Accountability Buddy

Making new year’s resolutions and setting goals can help you feel motivated. However, as time passes, you can lose track of your goals and forget your dreams of starting a writing life.

Join communities where you can connect with other writers. Pair up with a fellow writer and make them your accountability buddy.

This will help you in staying focused on your goals and working towards them every day.

 “You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.”

― Jodi Picoult

Start writing.

If you need a little more help to envision your life as a writer, download a free copy of, How to Start Writing Today.