Can you stand one more post about writing resolutions for the New Year? I can’t promise this is the last one, but I do think I’m tapped out.

I wasn’t planning to write anything more about this, but I came across a relevant post from writing coach Jeff Goins. My favorites from his list (and my comments) include:

  1. Measure activity, not results. Goins essentially frames this as a choice between writing for yourself and writing for your readers, and I agree with that. However, in the next year, I’m also going to measure the time I give myself to write, rather than the number of words I write.
  2. Tell the truth. Write what scares you. Goins lists these separately, but they go together. I’ve tried to eschew the “writing as suffering” trope, but that doesn’t mean we should shy away from ugly or difficult topics. Instead of adopting Hemingwayesque vein-opening, imagine yourself bragging to friends about that amazing scar on your leg. Pretend you’re a preschooler showing someone the giant bug you just found or the ratty doll you’ve been carrying your whole life. Confess your ugly feelings. Admit that you have sometimes behaved in ways that were not a credit to your reputation. We’ve all been there. Readers can tell when you are writing from a place of authenticity, particularly about negative traits or bad choices, and they respect an honest writer.
  3. Shut up. Fast from social media. Again, Goins lists these separately, but they’re related. Give yourself quiet time. Listen and pay attention to what’s going on around you. Take an internet break. I haven’t quite given up Facebook, but I post 90% less frequently than I used to and I deleted my Twitter account. This blog has become the majority of my social media time. Enjoy a week without social media or give yourself one day – 24 hours – each month to disengage. There are so many better uses of our time.
  4. Break a rule. Break all of them, I say. The only one you can’t break is Will’s Rule #1, which is that you must write. Rule #2 – write joyfully and with purpose – is merely a suggestion. Write aimlessly and with a grudge, if you want. You do you.
  5. Start a blog. Publish something. Meet other writers. Let’s lump all these under “community.” I’m approaching 400 days on the blog, and I’m quite proud of myself. I also dipped a toe into sharing some fiction here. After last Saturday’s post, I felt a lot braver about the idea of finding some online peers to trade critiques. It’s all about breaking the ice.

You can read the rest of Goins’ suggested resolutions here.