I was at a writer’s conference the other day and I heard a powerful word of wisdom about writing goals. “Once you have a first draft, then you have something to work with.” It sounds like common sense, but once I began reflecting on it, I realized how often I feel like I have nothing to work with…well because I never actually wrote down the first draft! (How is that for some transparency?!?!)
I get it. Getting started is often the hardest part; but if the book or blog post never gets started, then it will never get finished. In Franklin Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, habit #2 is “Begin with the End In Mind” – so let’s start by talking about the benefits of writing first!
The Benefits of Writing
The biggest benefit I have experienced in my writing is the impact it has on people; both others as well as myself. Words have power. Stories have power. When the words and stories are put to paper (or typed into a computer), it brings a transformation of healing to the writer, and the reader.
- Grow Your Mind; Heal Your Heart
It doesn’t matter if you are writing a blog post, a short story, a presentation, or a complete book, the process of gathering personal experiences, researching, analyzing and writing changes you. It causes you to gain awareness of your self and the world around you. It brings fuzzy ideas into focus and helps you see the difficulties of your past in a different light. (Check out the free video of Telling {on} Your Past for more on how writing about your past can bring healing.) - Encourage Others
The first book I wrote and self-published was about my dating journey. I went through the normal ups and downs of every author. I would read part of it and say “This is really good! It’s funny and informative,” and then the next minute; “This is meaningless drivel. Who would EVER want to waste their time and money on this book!”
A few months after the book had been released, I received an email from a childhood friend. She thanked me for writing that book. The words I shared encouraged her to jump back out there and try dating again. Now she has celebrated nine years and has three beautiful children. So I can safely say that my words had something to do with impacting two people, which led to the creation of three people. That’s kind of huge.
Most times, we will never know the true impact of our words this side of heaven. This is where we need to trust God and obey. Write what He asks us to write. You never know what His plans are for your obedience! (If you want some more inspiration on this thought, check out the blog post It Only Takes a Spark.) - Actually Reach Your Writing Goals
The other benefit of getting started is that when start, you actually make headway towards achieving your writing goals. I know, “Thanks, Captain Obvious!”
Seriously, let me break this down. I am actually waiting for UPS to deliver the proof copy of my first novel as I am writing this. I actually started this book over three years ago. One thing that helped me get going on my manuscript was the NaNoWriMo challenge. In November of 2019, I signed up to write 1000 words per day for the month of November. I will admit, I didn’t get to the full 30,000 words that month, but I did get a great start to the book. Little by little, I continued to add to what I started, and I was able to complete the process. God helped me to write a novel, y’all! That feels AMAZING!
Steps to Get Started
So, are you ready to get started? Here are some simple steps to get you moving forward on your writing goals. They aren’t anything earth-shattering, but three very important steps to moving the needle on your writing projects!
- Set a Writing Goal
It doesn’t matter if your goal is to keep a private journal, consistently write a blog, or tackle the monumental task of writing a book. It can be 10 minutes per day or 1000 words per day. Maybe it is writing a weekly blog post, or submitting 2 articles per month; decide what you want to do and write it down. - Create a Plan
For me, it was giving my writing the first hour of my day, well, after my time with God. Before I opened my email or checked my phone, I would grab a cup of coffee, sit down and write. Maybe it is getting yourself a new journal or a special writing hat or tiara. Set aside a special place or a routine to get yourself into the writing mode. - Be Nice to Yourself
As you sit down to write, if the words don’t come, relax. If they don’t say exactly what you want them to say the first time out, it’s ok; that is what editing is for. And finally, if you fall off your routine, just get back on track.
