Six Resolutions for Writers in 2017

I’m a bit behind in writing my New Year’s post, but that’s my life right now.  I’m busy–as are you–but let’s not forget the importance writing has in our life.  Just as we can procrastinate the disciplines of our spiritual life (prayer, Bible study, worship, fellowship), so too can we put off our writing time.  Let’s not do that in 2017.  In fact, can I suggest a few late resolutions we can make for the rest of the year?

1. Do not procrastinate with your writing. Move it up several notches on your to-do list.
2. Find ways to improve your writing ability. Take an adult class in novel or non-fiction writing, join or start a local critique group, read some of the great books on the craft of writing. Do what you can to become a better writer this year than you were last year.
3. Identify the writer’s conference you will attend this year.  Block out the time, save your money, and be there!
4. Read more. It’s almost impossible to be a good writer without being a well-read reader.
5. Ask God to give you a word for your writing in 2017. For me, the Lord impressed the word “urgency” on my heart recently. I don’t take that to mean “write faster” but “write faithfully in light of the times in which we’re living.” I think most of you understand.
6. Finally–and this is the hardest one of all–let’s write deeper in 2017. To be honest, as a reader, editor, and agent, I’m becoming disappointed in how light-weight the books being published are. Will any of them still be in print 100 years from now–in short, a classic? How about 20 years from now? 10? With God as our talent-giver, can’t we expect more out of what we write? It’s true that deeper writing may be harder to sell, but let’s write it and see what God does with it. I’m convinced He wants something deeper out of His writers than what we’re presently delivering.  Are you with me? (And that applies to both fiction and non-fiction writers).

I’ll be checking in with you from time to time to see how you’re doing.  Stay faithful to your calling!