A WRITER’S RESOLUTION ~ Jackie Wellington

In less than 24 hours, it will be a new year. Time to render resolutions, set goals, and establish work habits. And writers are not exempt. So what are the writer’s resolution? Lose weight? Maybe! Get out of debt? Definitely! Write more? ABSOLUTELY!!! Here are three things EVERY writer should put on their resolution list for 2015.

1.    Schedule Writing Time.

A Writer Writes! Point! Blank! Period!!! So schedule time to write. We have busy lives, but we cannot consider ourselves writers if we do not write. If you need help, check out writing challenges such as 365K, Writer’s Digest 30-Minute Writing Challenge, and P&W Writer’s Challenge.

2. Find An Agent.

Research agents. Follow them on Twitter. Read their blogs. Find out who their clients are and read their books. Then query! Query! Query! Do not be afraid of rejections. Rejection is a good thing to writers. Think about it. Normally, you might end up with a rejection which is not a form letter. It might be the one which gives a list of ways to make the manuscript better. See, a critique you didn’t have to pay for. These agencies are looking for new clients - Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Erin Murphy Literary Agency, and Writer’s Digest Guide to Lit. Agencies.

3. Read books in the genre in which you write.

To be great writers, we have to be great readers. If you write picture books, read picture books. If you write Middle Grade, read Middle Grade. If you write Young Adult, read Young Adult. Read! Read! Read! 

Now, set up your write station. Gather your supplies. And prepare to write and make history in 2015. Also, here is a bonus poem. Something for you to ponder. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Happy New Year

Well, I woke up this morning

to a beautiful day

2014 is slipping away

2015 is here to stay

Time to make new wishes,

Cause that's what they are

The word "resolution"

is outdated by far

It's outdated to me

‘Cause we seldom follow through

Pledging to eat healthy,

lose weight,

just to name a few

But what makes "resolution"

the word not to use

“Cause it means "perseverance" and quitting is what we choose

January and February,

our resolution is kick in gear

March, April, May

quitting is getting near

June comes around,

no more gym to see

July, it's official,

resolution is decease

But what if we approach

the new year differently

Instead of "resolution",

"New Years Wish" is the key

We can wish to be thinner,

healthier, and mature

Wish to get out of debt,

and be financially secure

‘Cause if we make a wish

We hope it will come true

But in case it doesn't happen,

our self-esteem we wouldn't lose

And then we won't feel like a failure,

when our attempts didn't succeed

So death to you "resolution",

"New Years Wish" is what we need