As the New Year approaches, it’s tempting to jot down ambitious resolutions that fizzle out by February. Writing goals are no different. Whether you’re aiming to finish a novel, submit short stories, or simply to kickstart your writing habit, the key is bridging the gap between dreaming and doing.

Here are 8 practical tips to set realistic, yet ambitious writing goals for 2025—and most importantly, take action to achieve them.

1. Start with a vision and break it down

Begin by imagining where you want your writing to take you by the end of 2025. Is it completing a manuscript? Publishing a short story? Launching a blog? Once you have the big picture, break it into smaller, manageable milestones.

For example:

• Big Goal: Finish your 80,000-word novel by December.

• Monthly Milestone: Write 6,700 words per month.

• Weekly Task: Write 1,700 words every week.

By turning a lofty dream into bite-sized steps, your goal will feel achievable—and less overwhelming.

2. Make your goals specific and measurable

Vague resolutions like “Write more” or “Be a better writer” won’t give you the direction you need. Instead, use the SMART framework as a guide to create goals that are:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.

• Measurable: Include criteria to track progress.

• Achievable: Be realistic about what’s possible within your timeframe.

• Relevant: Align your goals with your larger writing ambitions.

• Time-bound: Set deadlines to create urgency.

For example, instead of saying, “I’ll write a novel this year,” reframe it into a SMART goal like: “I’ll write 80,000 words of my novel by December 31, 2025, by drafting 1,700 words per week.” This goal is specific (80,000 words), measurable (1,700 words weekly), achievable (spread over a year), relevant (aligned with the goal of finishing a novel), and time-bound (by December 31).

While you don’t need to get bogged down in SMART goals for every aspect of your writing, they’re a helpful way to ensure your resolutions are actionable rather than aspirational. The clearer your goal, the easier it will be to stay focused and motivated.

3. Be a voracious reader

Great writers are typically great readers. Make reading a part of your writing goals—it fuels creativity, exposes you to different styles, and sharpens your craft.

Aim to read widely:

• Dive into genres you want to write in.

• Explore non-fiction for research and inspiration.

• Try books outside your comfort zone to expand your perspective.

Set a realistic reading target, like 12 books in 2025 (one a month) or a chapter a day. Pair reading with writing exercises inspired by what you’ve read to keep the ideas flowing.

How to choose what books to read:

• Explore the Classics and Bestsellers: These books often stand out for a reason—whether it’s their innovative storytelling, cultural impact, or mastery of craft.

• Study Your Genre: Read books in the genre you’re writing to understand its conventions. For example: Writing romance? Check out novels by authors like Jasmine Guillory or Colleen Hoover. Writing horror? Stephen King or Shirley Jackson might offer insights.

• Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Don’t limit yourself to one type of book. Poetry, non-fiction, memoirs, and plays can all expand your creative thinking.

• Seek Craft Books: Books about writing itself—like Stephen King’s On Writing or Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird—can provide invaluable advice and motivation.

4. Focus on consistency over perfection

It’s better to write consistently, even if what you write isn’t perfect, than to wait for inspiration to strike.

Make writing a non-negotiable habit:

• Block out dedicated time in your schedule.

• Keep your expectations manageable (e.g., aim for 200 words daily, not 2,000).

• Celebrate showing up, even on tough days.

Remember: You can always revise later, but you can’t revise a blank page.

5. Set goals that stretch you (But don’t break you)

For many aspiring writers, the ultimate dream is to write a novel. But writing 80,000 words in a year is no easy feat, especially alongside life's other big commitments.

So, if a full-length novel doesn’t fit into your current life circumstances, there are plenty of other meaningful goals that will move you forward as a writer:

• Enter writing competitions: Short stories, flash fiction, and poetry contests are fantastic ways to sharpen your skills, gain recognition, and add structure to your writing schedule.

• Start a writing blog: Share your thoughts on craft, post short stories, or document your writing journey. Blogging not only keeps you writing but helps you connect with an audience.

• Write every day using Daily Prompt: Commit to writing something every day. Consistency is the key to growth, and Daily Prompt provides unique creative writing prompts to inspire your daily writing practice. 

• Experiment with a new genre: Maybe you’ve always wanted to try your hand at sci-fi or poetry. Set a goal to create a single piece in a new style.

• eWrite and share short story: A full novel might feel like too much, but a self-contained story of 2,000–5,000 words is manageable and just as rewarding.

The point isn’t to scale down your ambitions but to align your goals with your current life. A smaller, realistic goal that you can achieve is far more motivating than a massive one that feels unattainable.

Plus, every small victory builds momentum, giving you confidence to tackle bigger challenges in the future. If writing a novel is on your list for 2025, go for it! But if it’s not the right time, remember: there’s no single “correct” way to pursue your writing dreams. The important thing is to keep moving forward—no matter how small the steps.

6. Plan for roadblocks (and how you’ll overcome them)

Life happens. Be realistic about the challenges you might face—whether it’s writer’s block, a busy schedule, or self-doubt—and have a plan to address them:

• Writer’s block: Use prompts or switch projects to spark creativity.

• Time crunch: Aim for micro-goals, like writing for 10 minutes during breaks.

• Self-doubt: Revisit why you started writing and lean on a supportive writing community.

When obstacles arise, adjust your plan but keep moving forward.

7. Reward yourself along the way

Celebrate your wins, big or small.

Finished a chapter? Treat yourself to your favorite coffee. Met your monthly word count? Buy a new book. Rewards create positive reinforcement, making it easier to stick to your goals.

Remember: Writing is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the journey and recognize your growth along the way.

Become a better writer in 2025

By setting clear, actionable goals and staying consistent, you can make meaningful progress in your writing journey this year. Remember: the secret isn’t just in setting goals—it’s in showing up every day to chase them.