Plan Your Writing Year: Setting Smart Goals for 2026

There’s something powerful about turning the page on a new year. It invites reflection, intention, and (hopefully) a renewed connection to our creative work. But instead of setting rigid resolutions, I encourage writers to approach the new year with strategic, flexible goal-setting—goals that are clear, actionable, and kind.

Here’s a framework that works well for children’s book creators:

• Start with Vision: Before setting goals, ask yourself why you write. What do you hope to share with young readers? What kind of stories do you feel called to tell? Let your vision lead the way.
• Break Big Dreams into Steps: “Get published” is a beautiful dream—but it’s not a goal. A goal might be: “Revise two picture book manuscripts by April.” Or “Research and submit to five agents by June.”
• Build in Buffer Zones: Life happens. Create timelines that allow for flexibility, especially if you’re juggling family, work, or other responsibilities.
• Measure Progress, Not Perfection: Track what you did, not just what’s left to do. Celebrate each draft completed, each revision attempted, each rejection bravely sent.
• Include Non-Writing Goals: Reading mentor texts, participating in critique groups, attending conferences—all of this fuels your writing life. Give yourself credit for it.

If you like, choose a word of the year to guide your 2026 writing life. Something like “consistency,” “joy,” “trust,” or “expand.” Let it serve as a touchstone when motivation wanes.