Sarah Selecky Writing School

An online creative writing school that approaches writing as an art, and also as a contemplative practice. We believe that skill comes from study, that inspiration comes from love, and that both are necessary.

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Set intentions for your writing in the new year

December 30, 2018 by Sarah Selecky 7 Comments

These are the same reflections I ask my teachers to do every year at our Intensive retreat. My dear friend Hannah shared these questions with me for my 40th birthday, and I still use them every year. They’re kind of like a first aid kit for for my life.

These will be perfect for you if you’re planning to make like an introvert on New Year’s Eve this year. Get cozy with your notebook and a furry friend (or, like me, a faux fur blanket).*

Please do share this page with a friend. Even better, make a date to meet your friend in person or on the phone, and do these together. Sharing your responses with someone else makes them even more real.

And if you share your answers on your own blog, please let me know and leave a link in the comments below. I’d love to see what you’re up to. <3

Love,

* I’ll get a pet one day! One day!

Writing Inventory, Intentions, and Reminders for the New Year

Last Year

A pitfall from this year, and how going through it made me into the writer I am now:

A success from this year, and how going through it made me into the writer I am now:

Writing milestones. What actually happened, that mattered? What am I proud of doing this year?
(Get out your diary/notebooks and reflect, month by month.)

Next Year

Next year, I’ll stop:

Next year, I’ll start:

I want more of:

I want less of:

I am totally done with:

I am ready, so ready for:

I expect…

I believe…

I desire…

Reminders about myself and my writing

What inspires me, without fail?

What grounds me, always?

What strengthens me, reliably?

What softens me, in just the right way?


Photo: Jasmin Schuler via Unsplash


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Comments

  1. AvatarAnnie Q. Syed says

    December 30, 2018 at 10:39 pm

    Here is the link to my answers, Sarah. Thank you for these questions! Happy new year to you!

    Cheers and thanks,

    Annie

    http://annieqsyed.com/2018/12/30/writing-inventory-intentions-and-reminders-for-the-new-year/

    P.S.
    And your novel just arrived this week!

    Reply
    • Sarah SeleckySarah Selecky says

      January 14, 2019 at 11:20 am

      Oh Annie, what a beautiful post! And with PHOTOS! Thank you so much for sharing this here. This struck me: “I desire: for everyone to experience what I experienced in Doolin even if they don’t go to Doolin and even if they don’t write. I want everyone to have a chance to feel this cosmic pulse within.” My wish: that we continue to experience this cosmic pulse in 2019. Love. S

      Reply
      • Sarah SeleckySarah Selecky says

        January 14, 2019 at 11:21 am

        ps – enjoy RSL!

        Reply
  2. AvatarPurabi says

    December 31, 2018 at 12:28 pm

    Love the writing inventory and would like to share my intentions, dreams and aspirations but I don’t have a blog yet. What I do have is a professional page on Facebook where I post essays – personal and inspirational – and travelogue. With your permission I will post the writing inventory for I think it’s an excellent tool for everyone. Thank you, Sarah.

    Reply
    • Sarah SeleckySarah Selecky says

      January 14, 2019 at 11:15 am

      Hi Purabi! Of course — you can share this post on your FB page, and start a conversation there. Happy new year, xo S

      Reply
  3. AvatarLoni Cameron says

    January 2, 2019 at 8:30 pm

    I definitely needed this. Thanks!

    You can find my answers here: https://loniseye.blogspot.com/2019/01/forward-and-backward-hello-2019.html

    Reply
    • Sarah SeleckySarah Selecky says

      January 14, 2019 at 11:14 am

      Thank you, Lori! I love this: “I expect… my words to keep moving me forward.” Thank you so much for sharing your answers and intentions. May 2019 be the year of TIME for you and your writing. xo S

      Reply

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