writing life

How to Set Writing Goals That Actually Work

I’m obsessed with goal setting. I set writing goals and goals for other areas of my life each year, each quarter, and each month. Because I’m so passionate about goal setting, I’m constantly reading books, attending workshops and listening to podcasts to help me get better at setting and achieving my goals. I take what I learn, tweak it and try it out. Then I figure out how to share what I’ve gleaned from my personal experiences with you. That’s why I get so excited for my annual Write the Vision Workshop! (This year’s workshop is on Sunday, December 14 at 4 p.m. CT. You can sign up here.)

Why You Aren’t Achieving Your Writing Goals

If you HATE goal setting, it’s probably because you’re not following through. And if you’re setting writing goals each year and nothing in your writing life is changing, chances are it’s NOT because of laziness. You work hard. Probably too hard. You are NOT lazy. But I think I know what’s holding you back.

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Gifts for Writers: 2025 See Jane Write Gift Guide

It’s time for another edition of the See Jane Write Gift Guide! Here you will find gift ideas for the writers on your holiday shopping list — and if you’re the only writer on your list, take this as permission to treat yo’self! Or you can send this post to friends, family, or your Santa Baby so they’ll know exactly what to get you this year. (This post contains affiliate links.)

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How to Build a Creative Practice That Doesn’t Burn You Out

Editor’s Note: See Jane Write publishes guest articles by writers who identify as women, non-binary folks, and our allies. Learn more here.

By: Thenuri Thesara

Your creative fire deserves tending, not taming.

Some days, sitting down to write feels like crouching over a campfire that won’t catch with more smoke than flame. There have been days when I’d be staring at the blank page with that restless itch to write, front and center, met with the weight of every undone task, the relentless buzz of notifications, and that nagging voice that wonders if any of it matters. 

When creativity starts to feel like a chore, it’s a sign your inner fire needs tending, not kindling. Creativity isn’t a wild blaze you light and hope to roar; it’s a campfire you coax, protect, and rest beside. Sometimes it’s bright and crackling; other times, it’s just warm embers.

So today, let’s walk through this journey together and explore how to honor those flames without getting burned.

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How to Beat Imposter Syndrome Before It Beats You

Editor’s Note: See Jane Write publishes guest articles by writers who identify as women, non-binary folks, and our allies. Learn more here.

By: Delany Diamond

Imposter syndrome affects people from all walks of life and in any profession. But what exactly is imposter syndrome?

The Oxford Dictionary describes it as “the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.”

If you’re a writer suffering from this affliction, you might think your success is not attributed to your writing skills. Rather, there are other reasons for your success, such as luck. These thoughts can cause serious problems. For example, low self-esteem, fear of your incompetence being “discovered,” and a lack of drive to pursue your writing dreams.

The good news is, you can break free from the shackles of imposter syndrome and beat it with these three strategies: celebrating your accomplishments, connecting with other authors, and treating criticism and failure as an opportunity to learn.

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My Mid-Year Mantras: Making the Most of the Rest of 2025

One of my favorite podcasters – Les Alfred of the She’s So Lucky podcast — recently released an episode during which she shared the Lucky Girl Commandments – a list of tips or words of wisdom to help us all create our own luck for the rest of the year and beyond. And of course, this inspired me to write some commandments of my own. I’m an Enneagram 1, which means I crave order. Rules don’t feel like restrictions to me. Instead, they’re the boundaries I need to keep from running myself off a cliff. (Side note: I also give myself permission to ditch any and all rules that don’t align with who I am and what I want. For example, you say every woman should be a mother. I say I’m quite content living my rich auntie life. But I digress.)

Because I know the word “commandments” can be triggering to some (#churchhurt), I’m calling these my mid-year mantras instead. Here are the rules I’m following to make the most of the rest of 2025.

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