Whether you’re a resolutions person or not — I know many of us are setting intentions now rather than making resolutions, which feels a little less rigid — the new year does always feel like a lovely chance for new beginnings. With that in mind, we want to hear what yours is for 2025, and in exchange, we’ll share a story from our archives that relates to your resolution or intention.
i want to be more encouraging to myself but also take over my ego so i can learn the skills i yeard for so many years. skills like digital painting, writing and playing electric guitar.
My resolution is to improve my skills in languages. My mother tongue is Arabic, and since I have a C1 in French, B2 in English, and A2 in Spanish, I want to speak freely without overly thinking about what I'm going to say.
What an energizing way to build on my resolution: by year-end, a first draft of the bio-memoir I’m writing about three generations of female family food writers. Other readers’ resolutions and your recommended links have been quite inspiring!
So glad to hear it! And ICYMI, it sounds like you might like, "The Deep South’s Dames of Dildos," a story about three generations of women working together in an unconventional field. 😉 Here's to better than expected!!
My resolution is to stay unresolved. To refrain from deciding, and thus from being disappointed. To keep the music going, through the progression of harmonies, until we are through this uncertain time and ready for a grand major chord.
My focus for this year is "Essentials." What’s essential to me: family, health (physical, mental, spiritual, and financial), and fulfillment of the heart.
What a fun idea this thread is, thank you! One of my resolutions is to host a Valentine’s-adjacent “love your neighbor” party for everyone living on my one-block, one-way street.
I want to avoid negative default thinking. As a liberal going on 70 years of age and having witnessed Ronnie Raygun's 1980 landslide election, 50 years of this is too much for me, even given what just happened. My wife runs an optimist boot camp at home and I want to pass muster and be made general.
This isn't exactly a linear match, but Christopher Blackwell is one of the most positive people I know and his story is pretty remarkable, as is his ability to remain positive in some of the worst circumstances imaginable: "Chaos and Noise: One Man's Harrowing Stint in Solitary Confinement" https://www.narratively.com/p/chaos-noise-one-mans-harrowing-stint-in-the-hole
Resolution: to finish a presentable draft of my new short story collection by my birthday, 17 July.
How to get there: I need not only deadlines but start lines, plus momentum. My start is today, and I plan to work 1 to 2 hours daily, six days a week, till it's done.
My intention is to start writing again, I have only written one article in 2 years. It's time to explore more with pen and paper instead of mindlessly scrolling online.
A great goal! How about this inspiring interview with Stephanie Land, who was our Memoir Prize judge last year, where she talks about writing an essay that went viral and all the things that led to from there… "How Our Memoir Prize Guest Judge Stephanie Land Launched Her Writing Career and Became a Bestselling Author" https://www.narratively.com/p/how-our-memoir-prize-judge-launched-her-career
My plan this year is to hone my personal message (can’t stand the word brand) and deliver it more confidently and effectively. And alongside that, finish my second memoir draft.
Happy New Year, Emillio! Same, first of all. I think my recent with Jami Attenberg might be good for this. She is *very* encouraging, hence the headline, lol: "How to Motivate Yourself to Write When No One Else Will: A Q&A With Bestselling Author Jami Attenberg." Here's the link: https://www.narratively.com/p/how-to-motivate-yourself-to-write-when-no-one-else-will
Ah, I have just the thing! "How to Write a (Really Exhaustive) Investigative Story" is an interview I did with reporter Matt Drange about a series he's been working on that has *literally* changed the way the country views high school sexual abuse. His efforts have been massive and masterful: https://www.narratively.com/p/how-to-write-an-exhaustive-investigative-story Enjoy!
Hey Peter, I would try reaching out to their publicists or agents, looking for their direct contact info online (you might be surprised what you find), messaging people on social media (though not everyone loves this). Hope that's helpful.
Love that! This isn't a story per se, but we're offering a related class in March that you may be interested in: "From Journal to Memoir: How to Turn Your Side Scrawls Into Literary Gold" https://www.narratively.com/p/from-journal-to-memoir
Very timely, thank you. Your class sounds tailor-made for me. Before starting Hourglass fresh with no archives, I downloaded and saved all my posts from earlier WordPress blogs beginning in 2003 and have already begun to sort and sift. I'm signing up, and very much appreciate you letting me know about it. I was a long-time subscriber to Creative Nonfiction and am happy to see Narratively blowing and going.
My resolution is to quit my iPhone Notes habit. I use Notes for everything — shopping lists, writing ideas, self-therapy, things I want to remember to tell my family, shows I want to watch....but I feel like it's become the gateway to my phone addiction. All day long I'm constantly thinking of things I need to jot down in Notes (and then inevitably each time I look at a bunch of other useless things on my phone). So I want to switch to analog journals this year and pick up a notebook instead of my phone every time I have something I want to jot down.
One of my intentions is being more mindful about *when* I check my phone, so I definitely relate to that. And it sounds like you need a new notebook! In last year's "Your (Very) Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide for Bookworms," I included some of my fave sets, which you can see here: https://www.narratively.com/p/your-very-last-minute-gift-guide-for-bookworms (English Rose is my current #1.)
i want to be more encouraging to myself but also take over my ego so i can learn the skills i yeard for so many years. skills like digital painting, writing and playing electric guitar.
This is a fun one for encouragement: "How to Motivate Yourself to Write When No One Else Will: A Q&A With Bestselling Author Jami Attenberg" https://www.narratively.com/p/how-to-motivate-yourself-to-write-when-no-one-else-will And a great one that relates to guitar: "The Long, Twisting Tale of Two Farm Boys Who Finally Got Their Big Break" https://www.narratively.com/p/the-long-tale-of-two-farm-boys-who-finally-got-their-break Hope you enjoy!
My resolution is to improve my skills in languages. My mother tongue is Arabic, and since I have a C1 in French, B2 in English, and A2 in Spanish, I want to speak freely without overly thinking about what I'm going to say.
Nice! This one could be a fun read for you: "This Heavy Metal Band Is Hell-Bent on Saving an Endangered Language" https://www.narratively.com/p/this-heavy-metal-band-is-hell-bent-on-saving-an-endangered-language Hope you enjoy!
My resolution concludes my essay: https://open.substack.com/pub/eshu55/p/heaven-in-a-wildflower?r=1fjjf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
I think you'll like this one, Kim: "I Walked Barefoot Across the Middle East, Searching for Answers" https://www.narratively.com/p/i-walked-barefoot-across-the-middle-east-searching The payoff — and the journey — is perfection.
I'm gonna gobble it down now. Thank you.
Hello! My goal is to build a platform via YouTube and newsletter. I'm also working on a self-help memoir right now :)
Nice! We definitely recommended this to someone else on this thread, but I think you would find this one useful: "Narratively’s 6 Tips for Writing a Revealing and Impactful Memoir Story" https://www.narratively.com/p/narrativelys-6-tips-for-writing-an-impactful-memoir-story Best of luck!
What an energizing way to build on my resolution: by year-end, a first draft of the bio-memoir I’m writing about three generations of female family food writers. Other readers’ resolutions and your recommended links have been quite inspiring!
May this year be better than expected.
🤭
So glad to hear it! And ICYMI, it sounds like you might like, "The Deep South’s Dames of Dildos," a story about three generations of women working together in an unconventional field. 😉 Here's to better than expected!!
Hi! Mine is how to learn how to do basic self care things (including writing) every week by creating a better intentional structure in my life
Thanks for sharing, Tiffany! I mentioned it to someone else, too, but this StoryCraft piece may resonate, "Writers: How to Avoid Constantly Being Interrupted—And When to Embrace It" https://www.narratively.com/p/writers-how-to-avoid-constantly-being-interrupted
My resolution is to stay unresolved. To refrain from deciding, and thus from being disappointed. To keep the music going, through the progression of harmonies, until we are through this uncertain time and ready for a grand major chord.
I think I have just the thing. "My Quest to Tell a Story That Doesn’t Have a Neat Ending" https://www.narratively.com/p/my-quest-to-tell-a-story-without-a-neat-ending Hope you enjoy!
My focus for this year is "Essentials." What’s essential to me: family, health (physical, mental, spiritual, and financial), and fulfillment of the heart.
Lovely. Here's a wonderful story about family and fulfillment you might enjoy. "The Long, Twisting Tale of Two Farm Boys Who Finally Got Their Big Break" https://www.narratively.com/p/the-long-tale-of-two-farm-boys-who-finally-got-their-break
Publish my fourth novel with all women protagonists.
Here's a fun female-centered story for you! "The Deep South’s Dames of Dildos" https://www.narratively.com/p/the-deep-souths-dames-of-dildos One of our faves
Thanks! I'll look into that.
What a fun idea this thread is, thank you! One of my resolutions is to host a Valentine’s-adjacent “love your neighbor” party for everyone living on my one-block, one-way street.
What a fun resolution! In that case, you've got to check out our ultimate neighbor love story, "I Was Taught to Hate My Lesbian Neighbors. They Took Me In Anyway": https://www.narratively.com/p/i-was-taught-to-hate-my-lesbian-neighbors-they-took-me-in-anyway
Thank you!
I want to avoid negative default thinking. As a liberal going on 70 years of age and having witnessed Ronnie Raygun's 1980 landslide election, 50 years of this is too much for me, even given what just happened. My wife runs an optimist boot camp at home and I want to pass muster and be made general.
This isn't exactly a linear match, but Christopher Blackwell is one of the most positive people I know and his story is pretty remarkable, as is his ability to remain positive in some of the worst circumstances imaginable: "Chaos and Noise: One Man's Harrowing Stint in Solitary Confinement" https://www.narratively.com/p/chaos-noise-one-mans-harrowing-stint-in-the-hole
Mine is to be on social media less and finish more of my short stories this year.
Some great writing tips for you as you work: "The Best Writing Advice We’ve Ever Received" https://www.narratively.com/p/writing-advice-that-has-stuck-with-us Good luck!
I want to write daily.
Emma! We have a class coming up next month that you just might love: "28 Days, 28 Essay Prompts: A Month of Generating Inspiration and Ideas for Memoir" https://www.narratively.com/p/30-days-30-essay-prompts
There's also this piece with some brilliant words of advice from Caroline Rothstein if you get stuck along the way: "How To Address and Overcome “Writer’s Block” (Hint: We Think It's Actually a Myth)" https://www.narratively.com/p/how-to-address-and-overcome-writers-block
I’m totally signing up for this. Thank you!!
Amazing! Amy is the best. People really loved this class last time.
My new years resolution is to take time to do things that are important to me.
This thread we did on Election Day, of many doing exactly that, might inspire you (I found it quite inspiring myself even out of context): "What's the Best Piece of Self-Care Advice You've Got? (We All Need It Today)" https://www.narratively.com/p/whats-the-best-piece-of-self-care-advice/comments
How lovely. Thank you!
I want to work toward releasing my attachment to ego identity and loosen expectations. Be more present and grateful.
This is kind of a fun one for you: "Confessions of a Failed Self-Help Guru" https://www.narratively.com/p/confessions-of-a-failed-self-help-guru Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks, Jesse!
Can't wait to read it.
This is very kind of Narratively.
Gratefully,
joan
Resolution: to finish a presentable draft of my new short story collection by my birthday, 17 July.
How to get there: I need not only deadlines but start lines, plus momentum. My start is today, and I plan to work 1 to 2 hours daily, six days a week, till it's done.
A great goal! I would definitely scan this whole thread for other relevant recos, but one that hasn't been mentioned yet that might be useful once you've completed the draft, is "Ready to Pitch Your Book? Don’t Sleep on Academic Presses" https://www.narratively.com/p/ready-to-pitch-your-book-dont-sleep-on-academic-presses
We have a class coming up that you might be interested in, too: "The Fine Art of Deep Revision" https://www.narratively.com/p/the-fine-art-of-deep-revision
I want to write a short memoir about teaching at an all girls's school for underserved students.
How cool! Well, we certainly lose you at the end there, but perhaps this inspiring memoir piece from Anastasia Mills Healy could serve as inspiration in some way?: "Welcome to America’s Most Elite Girls Boarding School. Let the Hazing Begin." https://www.narratively.com/p/welcome-to-americas-most-elite-girls-boarding-school-let-the-hazing-begin It's a really great piece!
My word of the year is Brave. My intention is to create more opportunities for creative collaboration.
https://createmefree.substack.com/p/a-gentle-january-for-create-me-free
Hi Kathryn! If you haven't read it yet, I think you'll really enjoy this one: "The Women Who Became Writing Partners After 50 Years of Friendship" https://www.narratively.com/p/women-writing-partners-50-years-of-friendship
Thank you - I’ll check it out. Live that you’re offering this.
My intention is to start writing again, I have only written one article in 2 years. It's time to explore more with pen and paper instead of mindlessly scrolling online.
A great goal! How about this inspiring interview with Stephanie Land, who was our Memoir Prize judge last year, where she talks about writing an essay that went viral and all the things that led to from there… "How Our Memoir Prize Guest Judge Stephanie Land Launched Her Writing Career and Became a Bestselling Author" https://www.narratively.com/p/how-our-memoir-prize-judge-launched-her-career
I hope to read at least a book every month throughout the year, and to write more stories and essays.
Love these! How about this interview with Jenisha Watts on her viral essay to inspire your writing practice, "What It Took to Write the Personal Essay That’s Setting the Web on Fire": https://www.narratively.com/p/what-it-took-to-write-this-personal-essay
My plan this year is to hone my personal message (can’t stand the word brand) and deliver it more confidently and effectively. And alongside that, finish my second memoir draft.
Nick Courmon's story on making videos about little-known moments in history and becoming a TikTok influencer should be a fun one for you! "The TikTok Poet Bringing Untold Black History to the Masses" https://www.narratively.com/p/the-tiktok-poet-bringing-untold-black-history-to-the-masses
Sounds great! Thank you!!
I love this idea! My New Year's Resolutions are to finish my memoir proposal and continue teaching Narratively Academy classes this year.
Not to repeat one, but I think you'd like the same piece I recommended to Miranda, if you haven't read it already, "4 Reasons Why You Need to Write a Book Proposal—Even if Your Book Isn’t Finished Yet": https://www.narratively.com/p/4-reasons-why-you-need-to-write-a-book-proposal It's SO helpful!
Thank you! I have had to revisit my memoir proposal. Perfect!
To stop procrastinating -to start passion projects. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Emillio! Same, first of all. I think my recent with Jami Attenberg might be good for this. She is *very* encouraging, hence the headline, lol: "How to Motivate Yourself to Write When No One Else Will: A Q&A With Bestselling Author Jami Attenberg." Here's the link: https://www.narratively.com/p/how-to-motivate-yourself-to-write-when-no-one-else-will
Thank you, Jesse. I look forward to reading it. Btw, this is such a great, refreshing way to engage here ☺️💯✨
Yay, I'm feeling the same! 😉❤️
To publish an article that really makes a difference.
Ah, I have just the thing! "How to Write a (Really Exhaustive) Investigative Story" is an interview I did with reporter Matt Drange about a series he's been working on that has *literally* changed the way the country views high school sexual abuse. His efforts have been massive and masterful: https://www.narratively.com/p/how-to-write-an-exhaustive-investigative-story Enjoy!
How does a writer get interviews with important people. Thanks Peter
Hey Peter, I would try reaching out to their publicists or agents, looking for their direct contact info online (you might be surprised what you find), messaging people on social media (though not everyone loves this). Hope that's helpful.
Mine is to become less attached to my task list and more tuned into the big why of doingthings.
Hear you! This one speaks to that on the whole, I'd say: "Writers: How to Avoid Constantly Being Interrupted—And When to Embrace It" https://www.narratively.com/p/writers-how-to-avoid-constantly-being-interrupted Good luck!
Mine was to begin old-school blogging again as a bookmarker for story ideas, Commonplace Book, and experimental writing space. It's working :)
Love that! This isn't a story per se, but we're offering a related class in March that you may be interested in: "From Journal to Memoir: How to Turn Your Side Scrawls Into Literary Gold" https://www.narratively.com/p/from-journal-to-memoir
Very timely, thank you. Your class sounds tailor-made for me. Before starting Hourglass fresh with no archives, I downloaded and saved all my posts from earlier WordPress blogs beginning in 2003 and have already begun to sort and sift. I'm signing up, and very much appreciate you letting me know about it. I was a long-time subscriber to Creative Nonfiction and am happy to see Narratively blowing and going.
So glad you can join the class, Elizabeth! Rebecca is an amazing instructor and I'm sure you'll get a lot out of it.
Hi! My intention is to finish revising my first novel and start querying!
Welp! Do we have the piece for you: "4 Reasons Why You Need to Write a Book Proposal—Even if Your Book Isn’t Finished Yet" from the brilliant Shawna Kenney: https://www.narratively.com/p/4-reasons-why-you-need-to-write-a-book-proposal Love this piece.
My resolution is to quit my iPhone Notes habit. I use Notes for everything — shopping lists, writing ideas, self-therapy, things I want to remember to tell my family, shows I want to watch....but I feel like it's become the gateway to my phone addiction. All day long I'm constantly thinking of things I need to jot down in Notes (and then inevitably each time I look at a bunch of other useless things on my phone). So I want to switch to analog journals this year and pick up a notebook instead of my phone every time I have something I want to jot down.
One of my intentions is being more mindful about *when* I check my phone, so I definitely relate to that. And it sounds like you need a new notebook! In last year's "Your (Very) Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide for Bookworms," I included some of my fave sets, which you can see here: https://www.narratively.com/p/your-very-last-minute-gift-guide-for-bookworms (English Rose is my current #1.)
https://t.co/cpdK1PYYj4
ordering this!!
LOVE THIS! Great idea.
I’m resisting and being resilient. Forget about searching for hope.
Love it! We have a great one for that. "The Secret Lives of a Military Spy Turned Corporate Spook": https://www.narratively.com/p/the-secret-lives-of-a-military-spy-turned-corporate-spook
My resolution is to become a better and bolder storyteller 😄. I’ll be curious to see which Narratively piece you recommend!
Great one! We have so many for this, but I'll start with just a few: "How to Self-Edit Like a Pro": https://www.narratively.com/p/how-to-self-edit-like-a-pro and "Narratively’s 6 Tips for Writing a Revealing and Impactful Memoir Story" https://www.narratively.com/p/narrativelys-6-tips-for-writing-an-impactful-memoir-story