A new year is like a fresh page – full of potential for planning your reading and writing goals this year. Maybe you aim to spend more time reading, challenge yourself with trying new authors, set up a journalling practice or even finally start planning that novel, 2025 is your opportunity to dive into a world of words.

If you’ve resolved to start (or restart) a writing practice, we have some ways to push away the procrastination, beat writer’s block and get writing.

1. Write every day. It doesn’t have to be much – maybe it’s a making journal entry, jotting down an idea or two, or writing as few as 100 words – but the discipline of setting aside time each day to write will pay dividends.

2. Set up a writing ritual. This could be as simple as sitting down at the same time each day with a cup of tea, or perhaps lighting a candle or setting a timer for dedicated writing time. A small ritual can help you establish a routine.

3. Organise your ideas. What’s your system for keeping track of story ideas, snippets, vignettes and inspiration? Some people like a handwritten journal, while others prefer a mood board or even a dedicated online app.

4. Finish a writing project. Think of all those half-written short stories, ideas listed in Word docs or semi-formed thoughts of characters, stories or scenes swirling around in your head. Choose one idea and work through it until completion.

5. Explore new writing styles or genres. Do you always write fiction? Try poetry or memoir. Find yourself always writing in third person? Try first or even second-person perspectives. Who knows where you’ll end up?

6. Read widely and with intention. This could involve research on time periods or professions that relate to your work, as well as reading authors from different genres and cultures – you’ll discover new insights you can relate to your own work.

7. Revise, revise, revise. It’s impossible to write a final manuscript as your first draft; it’s going to take a few goes and that’s totally okay! Revising is more than polishing and honing sentences. Take the time to get the structure, pacing and voice just as you wish.

8. Take part in a writing challenge. Search online – you’ll find plenty of writing challenges that include prompts and deadlines to get you motivated.

9. Embrace feedback. Writing can feel lonely but it doesn’t have to be. Reach out to your local writing group or a trusted beta reader; they can give you feedback and constructive criticism to help you grow as a writer.

10. Celebrate small wins. Acknowledge those milestones, no matter how small. Maybe you’ve written a difficult scene, taken in feedback, submitted a manuscript … progress is progress.