by Beth K. Vogt, @bethvogt

“Depending on what they are, our habits will either make us or break us. We become what we repeatedly do.” ―Sean Covey (1964-), author & speaker

The ending of 2018 and the beginning of 2019 marks a good time to consider our habits. What’s working in our lives and what’s not working?We talk about stress less and having more fun. Making time for ourselves and taking time for our family and friends. Buying less and being more kind.

As a writer, what habits worked for you this year? Do you need to make any changes? Consider these tried-and-true writer habits culled from various sources that have helped writers succeed as you plan for the coming year:

1. Take time to read. I’m not going to say “Read more” or “Read outside your genre” or “Read this list of books.” Just read. Sometimes as writers, we get so caught up in writing-editing-and-repeat, that we forget to read. It was probably a love of reading that ignited your love of writing, right? Read for pleasure. Read to learn. Read an old favorite or a new release.
2. Make (more) time to write. Lots and lots and lots of people say to write every day. I love the concept, but I fail at the execution of this advice. And I refuse to feel guilty because, quite honestly, I battle enough guilt in my life. But writing consistently, writing frequently, writing constantly, is a good goal. We are, after all, writers. And we should aim to do more of it.
3. Get moving. Yes, “get moving” is another way to say, “get some exercise.” But, hey, writing is a sedentary occupation. After all, “Backside in chair!” is almost our battle cry as we conquer our word count and deadlines. What habit can you establish in 2019 to protect or improve your health? Join a gym? Invest in a Fitbit? Start lifting weights? Purchase a standing desk?
4. Up your game. Plan on improving as a writer in the coming months. Don’t just say, “I want to be a better writer.” Be specific. Do you want to learn more about writing dialogue? Putting together newsletters? Connecting with readers? Write down your goal(s), and then read a book (see #2) or take a class or connect with someone who knows how to do what you want to learn.
5. Get connected. I’m just gonna’ say it straight up: Creatives get creatives. We need each other. If you’re already connected with a community of writers, bravo! Strengthen those relationships in 2019. If you’re thinking, “I’m a bit of a loner,” consider how you can develop community. One friend started a FB group where we encourage each other to exercise and eat well. (Hey, that’s a combo of #3 and #5!)

Which of these habits inspires you? Or what habit would you like to establish in the New Year that I didn’t mention?

Things I Never Told You by Beth K. Vogt

It’s been ten years since Payton Thatcher’s twin sister died in an accident, leaving the entire family to cope in whatever ways they could. No longer half of a pair, Payton reinvents herself as a partner in a successful party-planning business and is doing just fine—as long as she manages to hold her memories and her family at arm’s length.

But with her middle sister Jillian’s engagement, Payton’s party-planning skills are called into action. Which means working alongside her opinionated oldest sister, Johanna, who always seems ready for a fight. They can only hope that a wedding might be just the occasion to heal the resentment and jealousy that divides them . . . until a frightening diagnosis threatens Jillian’s plans and her future. As old wounds are reopened and the family faces the possibility of another tragedy, the Thatchers must decide if they will pull together or be driven further apart.

Includes discussion questions.

Beth K. Vogt is a non-fiction author and editor who said she’d never write fiction. She’s the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice) who said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a mom of four who said she’d never have kids. Now Beth believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Beth’s first women’s fiction novel for Tyndale House Publishers, Things I Never Told You, releases May 2018. Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015 RITA® finalist. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2014. A November Bride was part of the Year of Wedding Series by Zondervan. Having authored nine contemporary romance novels or novellas, Beth believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Novel Rocket and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people, and their youngest daughter, Christa, who loves to play volleyball and enjoys writing her own stories. Connect with Beth at bethvogt.com.