Make Your Writing Plan for the First Quarter of 2025

 by Suzanne Lieurance

If you’re a writer, planning your first quarter can set the tone for an entire year of creativity and productivity. 

 

A solid plan gives you clarity, focus, and something to aim for as you turn your writing dreams into realities. 

 

Here’s how you can map out a winning Q1 plan that keeps you moving forward.

 

Step 1. Start with Your Big Picture Vision.

 

What do you want your writing life to look like by the end of 2025? 

 

Maybe it’s finishing a novel, landing a book deal, building an engaged audience, or launching a freelance writing business. 

 

Get specific about your goals and write them down. 

 

Then, ask yourself: what’s one milestone I can realistically hit by the end of March that moves me closer to that vision? 

 

This will be your north star for Q1.

 

Step 2. Break It Down into Quarterly Goals.

 

Take that big milestone and break it into smaller, manageable goals. 

 

Let’s say your Q1 focus is completing the first draft of your novel. 

 

Break that into goals like:

 

- Outlining your story in January.

 

- Writing 30,000 words in February.

 

- Finishing the draft by the end of March.

 

Keep your goals focused and measurable. 

 

The clearer your goals, the easier it is to stay on track.

 

Step 3. Schedule Writing Time Like a Pro.

 

Great intentions won’t get you anywhere without consistent action. 

 

Look at your calendar for January through March and block out dedicated writing time. 

 

Be realistic—whether it’s 20 minutes a day, three focused hours on the weekend, or daily sprints, commit to a schedule that fits your life. 

 

Treat this time like an unbreakable appointment with your future self.

 

Step 4. Create Systems to Stay Consistent.

 

Life happens, and distractions are everywhere. 

 

Set up systems that help you stick to your plan. 

 

This could mean:

 

- Using a habit tracker to log daily writing progress.

 

- Joining a writing accountability group.

 

- Setting weekly goals and rewarding yourself for hitting them.

 

The key is consistency—not perfection.

 

Step 5. Incorporate Flexibility for the Unexpected.

 

Even the best plans need room to breathe. 

 

Build flexibility into your Q1 strategy by setting buffer time in your schedule. 

 

For instance, plan to finish your draft by mid-March instead of the very last day, so you’re not scrambling if something unexpected comes up.

 

Step 6. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection.

 

The goal for Q1 isn’t to write the perfect draft or flawlessly execute every task. 

 

It’s to make progress. 

 

Each word you write, each goal you hit, gets you closer to your bigger dream. 

 

Celebrate small wins along the way—they’ll fuel your momentum.

 

Step 7. Reflect and Adjust at the End of Each Month.

 

At the end of January and February, take some time to reflect. 

 

What worked? 

 

What didn’t? 

 

Adjust your plan as needed. 

 

This ensures you’re not just blindly following a schedule but actively refining your process to get better results.

 

Step 8. Keep Inspired Action at the Core.

 

Your Q1 plan should excite you. 

 

Focus on actions that feel meaningful and energize your creativity. 

 

When you take inspired action—writing from a place of joy and purpose—you’ll find the process as rewarding as the outcomes.

 

A strong Q1 plan is more than a to-do list; it’s your roadmap to writing success. 

 

By setting clear goals, creating systems, and staying flexible, you’ll build momentum that carries you through the rest of 2025. 

 

Start now, and when April rolls around, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come. 

Try it!

 

And for more tips and resources for writers, visit writebythesea.com and sign up for The Morning Nudge (it's free).

Suzanne Lieurance is the author of more than 40 published books and Law of Attraction coach for writers.