UPDATED – A version of this article was posted for Jill Sheet’s blog  https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/as part of my guest blog series.

This post includes both free and affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The year 2018 is gone.

On December 31, you said goodbye to another year filled with trials in your writing life. Goodbye to any failed attempts to write 1,000, 2,000, or 5,000 words per day.  So long to all those missed deadlines and unfinished writing projects. Buh-bye.

January 1 marked the start of a new year for your writing adventures.  This year, you are more determined and focused.   No more distractions. You are looking forward to the road ahead.

But you wonder how you will stay on track.

You can rescue your writing life before making the same mistakes you made last year.  Here are ten tips to consider.

#1 Eliminate excuses

Make a list of the reasons you struggle to finish your writing projects. Determine which reasons are excuses. Determine the small steps you will take to eliminate every excuse. Post this list in a place where you can see it every time you write.

#2 Take A.I.M. at your writing habits

To understand what changes to make, you must take A.I. M. — analyze, improve and manage — at your writing habits.  First, analyze your writing habits to understand at what point you lose interest or become discouraged in your writing projects.  Next, identify the steps needed to improve your actions, mindset or behavior.  If you get stuck, talk to a friend or another writer. Finally, determine how you will manage your new approach to writing.

#3 Unpack your schedule 

What happens when you pack too many things in your suitcase?  You must take something out.  If you want to finish your writing projects, consider unpacking your daily schedule to make room.  Identify the activities you can remove from your current schedule to make room for your writing time.

#4 Set goals

Starting a new writing project is exciting.  But just as excited as you are to write something new, be just as enthusiastic about finishing it.  Create SMART writing goals – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound — for each writing project.   From your start date until your projected deadline, decide how you will complete each project.

#5 Use a planner

To keep track of your time, use a planner (see also ‘How To Use A Planner?‘).  Use an online tool, like Trello or Asana to organize your writing projects, goals, and to-do list. You can also use a notebook, Word document or Excel spreadsheet. This year, I am using the non-dated planner and gratitude journal by Rebel.

#6 Create a writing routine

Build your writing muscles by creating a writing routine.  Identify your ideal time to write. Pick a time when you are most creative or when you have the most energy. For me, I like to write Monday through Friday between 5 and 10 a.m. Your best time to write may be nights. The time of day doesn’t matter. Make time to write.

#7 Think and act like a freelance writer

Could this be the year you get paid to write?  If you want to get paid to write, even part-time, you must think and act like a freelance writer.  Look for opportunities where you can get paid to write blog articles, content, and ebooks. To find new opportunities to make money writing this year, I compiled a list of more than 100 resources.  You can download a copy of the list here.

#8 Improve your craft

Look for opportunities to learn more about writing and the writing business.  Listen to podcasts, read books, join writing groups, or take courses to improve your writing.  When I wanted to learn more about guest blogging, I turned to Jon Morrow, CEO of Smart Blogger, who offers a course on Guest Blogging*.

Want to learn more about blogging? Jon Morrow offers a free webinar

#9 Work with other writers

Need help with your writing platform?  Pick a writer or blogger you admire. Consider offering them your specialized services, like proofreading or editing, in exchange for their knowledge about building a writing platform.

#10 Audit your progress

As you work to keep your writing life on track, it is important to audit your habits. Assess your progress to determine what’s working and what’s not working.  Don’t be afraid to make adjustments throughout the year.

Look into the future.  See yourself finishing your writing projects, making connections with new writers and maybe getting paid to write.

Remember, it’s your responsibility to make time to write.  Let no one or anything stop you from accomplishing your goals as a writer.

Make this your year to shine – now all you have to do is write.

Karen Brown Tyson is the author of, Time to Refresh:  A 21-Day Devotional to Renew Your Mind After Being Laid Off, Fired or Sidelined.  

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I recommend the program because I am a Guest Blogging student and have used the program myself. Please do not spend any money on Guest Blogging unless you feel you need it or that it will help you achieve your goals.