Here is an exercise that will hopefully help you set intentions and formulate concrete plans to start off the upcoming year with ideas and writing goals.
Write out numbers 1-23 with a line next to each.
1 _________________________________
2 _________________________________
3 _________________________________
4 _________________________________
5 _________________________________
6 _________________________________
7 _________________________________
8 _________________________________
9 _________________________________
10 ________________________________
11 ________________________________
12 ________________________________
13 ________________________________
14 ________________________________
15 ________________________________
16 ________________________________
17 ________________________________
18 ________________________________
19 ________________________________
20 ________________________________
21 ________________________________
22 ________________________________
23 ________________________________
On each line, write out something that will help you in your writing journey this year. For example, you could include a course/workshop/webinar/challenge you will participate in during the upcoming months. Include any books you will read (either a book about the writing craft or a book in your genre). Include favorite story lines or illustrations. List #kidlit blogs you follow or will read. Write down any writing podcasts you listen to. List critique groups you belong to or critique pals you exchange stories with. List libraries or bookstores you will visit. List any ideas you have already that you want to prioritize this year.
Cheers to creative productivity in 2023! Let me know in the comments how you used this list and if you included any additional categories.
Melissa Stoller writes to bring connection, joy, and a bit of magic to her readers. She is the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Return to Coney Island, and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush; Ready, Set, GOrilla!; Sadie’s Shabbat Stories; Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom; and Building Bridges: Peace, Salaam, Shalom (co-written with Callie Lovvorn and Shirin Rahman). Melissa is a Blogger and Course Assistant for the Children’s Book Academy, a Rate Your Story Judge, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, a Book Meshuggenahs member, a Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Advisory Council member, and a past school and synagogue Trustee. She also interviews authors and offers resources on her blog. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer/editor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and Central Park walks. Melissa is represented by Jonathan Rosen at The Seymour Agency. www.MelissaStoller.com
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