Make a Writing Bucket List

Pexels.com

Lately I’ve been mentally compiling a list of places I want to visit in my lifetime—Paris, France, the Florida Keys, Big Sky Montana, etc. I’m making a list and talking with my family over which places we want to prioritize; for example, focusing on places right here in the United States first. I remember seeing something on social media a few years ago about a bucket list for writers. I figured since I’m already working on compiling one for travel, why not make one for my writing goals? Who knows—maybe seeing something written in print will give me the kick in the pants I need to get moving.

From what I’ve heard, making a list, regularly reviewing it and taking conscious steps to check things off a concrete list can help you accomplish dreams more quickly. It can also help you lead a more productive life.

Here are a few goals on my writing bucket list, including a few I’ve already achieved.

• Publish a newspaper or magazine article. Check.
• Attend a writer’s conference. Check.
• Participate in National Novel Writing Month. Done, twice.
• Self-publish something a novella or larger work of fiction/non-fiction.
• Sell a true-crime article to a national magazine.
• Have an essay published in a women’s magazine or major newspaper.
• Find a literary agent.
• Complete an outline for a new suspense/thriller novel I have an idea for.
• Publish a novel.
• Write a play or a screenplay.
• Create and produce a podcast. 
• Develop and pitch a television series.
• Publish a short story.
• Get a paying gig speaking publicly about writing.
• Get invited on a press tour to a travel destination I’ve never been before.
• Go on a book tour.

Do you have a writing bucket list? Please share a few of your goals with us!

Renee Roberson is an award-winning freelance writer and editor who is ready to print out her writing bucket list and hang it on a wall where she can look at it every day.