Regardless of whether you view them in a positive or negative light, there’s no denying that New Year’s resolutions say a lot about who we are. For example, you’ve likely made some kind of writing-related resolution, am I write? Whether it be to finally finish a book you’ve been working on or to be more active with your writing, this resolution shows that writing is important to you. And whether or not you stick to it also tells us a lot about you- whether you’re more disciplined/organized or more spontaneous/disorganized (we’re not judging… well, maybe a little).

But we’re not here to talk about your resolutions, we’re here to talk about your character’s! New Year’s resolutions are a great way to reveal character. Start by thinking of a character you’ve written or are in the process of writing- whether they be from a book you’re working on or a short story idea you have. What would this character’s New Year’s resolution be? As you know, what drives character action is their desires or what they want, how could this be boiled down into a resolution?

Next, create obstacles for your character. Let’s say your character resolved to ‘be open to romance’ or something along those lines, let’s say their first date since making the resolution is the complete antithesis of everything they want in a romantic partner. They chew with their mouth open, their favorite band is Drake, they’re unemployed- everything that could go wrong, will go wrong. Will your protagonist stick it out through the date? Will they go on a second date to try to remain open? Think of a few obstacles that could happen within the first few months of the year to test your protagonist’s resolve.

Finally, consider your protagonist- this character you already know or are just beginning to know. What reveals character the most is their choices throughout a story. Will your protagonist make the right choices at every turn? Will they make some right and some wrong- if so, why? Will they end up sticking to their resolution or giving up? And be honest about them too, we won’t like them any less for giving up if that makes more sense for their character.

Writing Prompt: Now that you have a general outline, let these scenes play out. Write the scenes necessary to show us your protagonist’s resolution playing out, how they handle each obstacle, and finally whether or not they choose to give up or stick it out. This exercise will not only be a fun way to flex your writing muscles, but also a great exercise in the different ways that character actions and choices can reveal things about who they are.

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First of all, we’d like to thank you for taking the time to read this blog. By doing so, you’re spending a few moments each week focused on cultivating your craft and achieving your publishing goals.

Secondly, as we finish one chapter and begin the next, we wanted to channel this gratitude in a way that we hope proves to be a source of motivation for you in 2018.

Here are three ways to find motivation to power you into the New Year:

1. Gratitude is a constant source of motivation, and when you tap into this wellspring of inspiration, you’ll be surprised at the energy you feel. Take time each day to think about everything that you’re grateful for and use it to your advantage.
2. Find your inspiration. As a writer, what better place to find motivation than in the written word? Make it a point each day, to find quotes that stir emotion and motivate you to take action. You’ll be surprised at how powerful this exercise can be.
3. Define your why. We all have our reasons as to why we do things. When you identify your source of motivation, you can build from this momentum. So whether you write because you can or you write to leave a legacy for future generations, take the time to reflect on your why.

As another 365-page chapter is about to begin, we want to know: How are you going to maximize this time to get you one step closer to your goals?

Copyright Dorrance Publishing, 2017

The post The End of One Chapter and the Start of the Next appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

As we take some time to reflect on the past year, it’s time to set our sights on the New Year and how we can make 2017 the year that we reach and exceed our goals.

While the past can’t be changed, we can take what we have learned and put it to good use in the New Year. If you want to finally resolve to write the book of your dreams, here are three pieces of encouragement to get started.

Cultivate the book within you.

Our founder, Gordon Dorrance, wanted to provide everyone “with a book in them” the freedom to publish their work, and we at Dorrance have kept this pioneering spirit alive and well for nearly 100 years. That’s why at Dorrance Publishing, we encourage everyone to cultivate the book within them.  As a Chinese proverb once said, “A book is like a garden, carried in the pocket.” To us, we see our authors as gardeners. They take the seed that lives within their minds and plant it into the words of their stories. From there, they give it the attention it needs to grow and prosper, and ultimately they publish their book and share its beauty with others. In 2017, take the time to plant your seed and watch it grow.

Create a legacy.

Legacy —we hear this word frequently, and more often than not, it’s associated with famous athletes or celebrities. The power and esteem that is associated with the concept of leaving a legacy is something that many aspire to achieve. As an author, you too can leave your mark and create a legacy. When your musings are printed in indelible ink, your stories live on within the pages of a physical book, its newfound home. In this New Year, ask yourself this question: “What could I write that would help leave my mark?” Use this as the guiding force of inspiration to help you write about anything that comes to mind. The story that lives inside of you is waiting to emerge, and 2017 is the year that you can make it happen.

Just start writing.

Sometimes the hardest part about the entire writing process is actually getting started. We’re in the first chapter of 2017, and there is no better time than now to pull those ideas from our imaginations and put them on paper. Though it might sound simple, for some it can be difficult. But rather than giving up, resolve to push past these boundaries and begin writing the first chapter of your book.

As we embark on a New Year, set your sights high and your goals even higher. This is your year to make your dreams a reality!

Copyright Dorrance Publishing, 2017

The post A New Year’s Resolution for Writers appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.