by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
I’m much more a fan of a good list than I am a resolution. And I’m even more of a fan of a list when it’s something I can put down on my calendar in bits and pieces, making it all bite-sized and manageable.
Seeing things on paper helps make the ephemeral goals more solid, real. More like deadlines.
Of course we all have personal things we need to get on our 2024 calendar. They might be family trips that should be reserved. Dental cleanings and physicals for ourselves, kids, and pets for the next year. School holidays. Birthdays and anniversaries.
Then there are writing-related things that could go on your calendar. A few things I plan in advance:
Releases. This is easy enough for me because I know how long it takes me to write a book. But for you, it might mean giving yourself a general plan for when you’d like to finish a project.
Cover design. Planning this in advance can save you a good deal of time. Often, cover designers can get swamped. If you wait too long, it may be tough to get on their schedule for your book’s release timetable.
Editing. This can be tougher to plan in advance, if you run into snags. But it’s good to have a plan for getting on your editor’s radar before the book is finished and see what his/her schedule looks like.
Promotion. This often coincides with releases but is also helpful throughout the year if you have a series starter.
Tax prep. The least fun of all. But because it’s no fun waiting to the last minute, I have it on my calendar to collect my writing income and expenses for the year.
Self-care. It might seem like something that doesn’t need to go on a calendar, but trust me, it does. It can be small or large, but scattering reminders throughout the weeks is a good idea and can help prevent burnout.
These are some things I’ve added to my own calendar, but what are you adding to yours? Have you gotten your 2024 calendar yet?
I’ll see you all in 2024! I’m taking some time off for Christmas. Hope you all enjoy the holidays!
Planning the Next Year: Share on X
Image by Free Photos from Pixabay
One of the most important things I think you mention here is to break down those big tasks into bite-sized bits that you can do by the day, by the week, etc.. Even something as simple as making a telephone call is part of that overall plan. And having some sort of list makes it all seem do-able.
It helps a lot, doesn’t it?
Since the year is almost over, I guess I do need to get a new calendar and start planning.
Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas to you, Alex!
I've already got a ton marked on my calendar for next year.
I bet you do!
I haven't started planning for 2024 yet. I guess I should get started. Happy Holidays!
The same to you, Natalie!