How to Write With Intentions In 2026

This is the second year now that I've participated in a Winter Solstice walk and setting intentions for the new year. For those that don't know, the winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. It occurs annually on or around December 21st. After the sun sets, you go on a celebratory stroll to honor the return of light while reflecting on the past year and welcoming new beginnings. This is also done by writing down 12 intentions on individual pieces of paper. Then, every night from December 21st, you burn one piece of paper until you have one intention left, the intention you take into the new year. 

I've been thinking a lot about this concept and applying it to writing in the new year. So often writers of all experience are setting goals for the new year. Sell a spec. Get repped by a agent or manager. Write one page a day. All of those goals and a fresh start fallacy actually may set you up to fail and not get anything done. So what if this year we all set an intention? 

Setting An Intention For Your Writing Year

An intention focuses on "How", not just "What". Goals are specific future-focused achievements. But intentions are like internal compasses guiding how you want to be. Instead of focusing on the final objective, I want to encourage you to focus on the process. The process is such a big part of writing. How often are you reading or listening to other writers who are constantly emphasizing the importance of enjoying the process? Constantly. So lets set some intentions of the new year together to keep us focused on on our own individual process. 

To set an intention, begin by reflecting on your year.

• Where did your writing go quiet this year?
• When did you avoid the page?
• What did you learn about your relationship to writing when life got hard or busy?
• What part of you kept trying, even if it was imperfect?

Next, take a moment to look inward and identify some things to let go of. Try journaling or free writing to answer this sentence a few times: 

As a writer, I am ready to release the belief that _______________.

Here are a few examples I came up with. If they ring true, you can use them but challenge yourself to come up with your own. 

I have to feel inspired before I write. 

I need large blocks of uninterrupted time. 

If I'm not consistent, I've failed. 

These beliefs do not get to control your writing anymore. 

Like the solstice, identify a time this year where you saw the first hint of light. Or a spark. When did you feel most alive in your writing this year? What kind of writing do you miss doing instead of writing you think you should be doing? If no one ever saw the work, would you still want to do it? Find the desire in your writing instead of an obligation. 

Then, choose an intention. Avoid outcome based goals like finish a script or write every day. Instead, have it be relational. 

This year, as a writer, I intend to practice ________.

showing up before I feel ready

honesty over polish

patience with slow projects

daily contact with the work

writing as listening instead of performing.

This might feel a little uncomfortable, but don't run from it. 

Now, use that released belief, spark, and intention to create your north star anchored in behavior. If it helps, try using this template:

In the year ahead, I am a writer who ___________.

Here are a couple I came with for myself this year: 

I am a writer who opens the writing document every day. 

I am a writer who returns to things instead of quitting them. 

I am a writer who lets life inform my work not compete with it. 

I am a writer who lets small ideas stay small until they ask to grow. 

I am a writer who finishes things at the scale I can actually sustain them. 

When you find yours, write it by hand and put it somewhere visible. Try to see it every day. Focus your intention to reach your goals. If you are someone who faced personal or writing struggles this past year, you're not alone. You don't need to become a different writer. Fight to stay writer you already are. Your writing is needed in the world. Push away the negativity, remember the love of the craft, and be intentional. 

Keep going. The rest will follow.