ten unconventional New Year’s resolutions for writers

The feeds are full of New Year’s resolutions and words of the year. Hello 2025! If you’ve decided that thisis the year you’ll make some writing leaps and bounds, we’re right there with you.

And in case write more or get published doesn’t feel quite specific enough for you, here are ten out-of-the-box resolutions that are perfect for pushing creative boundaries and growing as a writer.

1 Experiment with a new genre every month

Take some time each month for a project outside of your normal genre or form. Don’t forget this should mean reading widely too. Stretching creatively outside of our comfort zones not only helps us to develop new skills but is also a great way to learn more about our writing identity.

2 Write without editing

Take the pressure off by writing without stopping to edit. Set aside time each day for pure creation, free from self-criticism. It’s a great way to get the ideas flowing without worrying about perfection. Just keep going, even if that means leaving a sentence hanging or adding in an author note while you go. Writing isn’t a one and done process and it’s good to learn how to move through a first draft without getting stuck on perfection.

3 Collaborate with other writers

Writing is a lonely sport, and a lot of us like it that way. At least for the most part. However, there are benefits to working with others too if you really want to grow as a writer both in skill and marketing. It takes a village for those book babies too, even if you’re traditionally published. Learning to work alongside one another is also a great the same end goal. So get out there and find a writing partner or join a group project. Whether you’re co-authoring a short story or swapping feedback, collaboration brings new perspectives to your work.

4 Rewrite a classic story in a modern setting

Okay, perhaps this one isn’t that out of the box, but it’s one that all writers should do at least once a year. Pick a classic tale and give it a modern twist. What would Pride and Prejudice look like in the digital age? Reworking a familiar story in a new setting is a fun exercise that helps sharpen your storytelling skills. Retelling is an incredibly important skill for writers and starting with a story you know well is the best way to start learning how to think and write in this way.

5 Create a writing ritual

Good habits lead to good things. Establish a routine that signals the start of your writing time. Whether it’s lighting a candle or playing a specific playlist, having a ritual can help get you into the right mindset for sitting down in your writing spot.

6 Write for different mediums

Writing for different formats can really stretch your skills. Try your hand at scripts, video game dialogue, or even interactive fiction. Each medium will teach you something new about storytelling. It’s okay to not be great at all of it, but it’s also great to understand more of the fundamentals of writing - even if it’s just to you break the rules in the end.

7 Find the right writing group for you

Instead of spreading yourself thin across every writing group, immerse yourself in a niche community that resonates with you. Whether it’s speculative fiction or memoirs, being part of a focused group can deepen your connection to the craft. If you do have a more general idea of wanting to write a book this year, the 12 Chapters Club, a free challenge, from Claire Venus looks fantastic.

8 Write a personal writing manifesto

Take some time to write down what you stand for as a writer and why you’re doing what you’re doing. What are your core beliefs about writing? What do you hope to achieve in the coming year? Other people’s quotes on writing are great and inspiring but at the end of the day, you have to know why you’re doing it and what you’re doing it for above all. 

9 Create a literary vision board

That doesn’t mean you can’t collect images, quotes, and other inspiration that align with your writing aspirations. It’ll also keep you motivated and remind you of your creative direction.

10 Host a writer’s workshop for beginners

Sharing your knowledge with others can help you refine your skills. Teaching others forces you to articulate your ideas clearly and reminds you of the fundamentals. And even if you’re not quite ready to run a workshop, you can always spend time writing it anyway.