If you’re dreaming of being an author someday, it’s important to set measurable goals.

Goals like “I want to write a book!“, or “Someday I’ll write a book about that.” are a good start, but they are too general. Instead, write realistic, measurable goals that you know you will be able to accomplish. Start with small goals and once you have accomplished those, move on the bigger goals. I have listed some short-term and long-term examples of measurable writing goals below to get you started.

Short Term Writing Goals:

• Today, before I go to sleep, I will write 10 book ideas.
• By the end of the this week, I will research writing groups and I will join at least one online writing group.
• I will visit a library next weekend, and I will spend at least 1 hour reading a new and interesting book.
• In the next 30 days, I will spend at least 2 hours a week working on a short story.

Long Term Goals:

• In the next 6 months, I will enter at least 3 online writing contests.
• By the end of the year, I will write an outline for a new book.
• In the next year, I will visit a new place, anywhere in the world, near or far, where I have not been, and I will write a diary about my travel experience.
• I want to see a book I have self-published on amazon.com in 6
  to 9 months.
• From now until my first book is published, I will spend at least 2 hours per week researching a marketing plan for my new book.

What are you writing goals? Stop what you’re doing right now and write your goals!