Hi Reader,
The other day I read this inspiring article by bestselling author, Leigh Bardugo. She’s got some great writer’s life content, but the one thing from this particular article that struck me was the concept of Begin as you mean to go on. She’s certainly not the first to bring up this concept, especially not this time of year, but I have been thinking about it a lot as 2025 comes to a close.
Here’s the truth, I don’t always like to buy into the “New Year, New You” stuff, mostly because I don’t believe that midwinter is conducive to achieving new goals. Spring, for me, is a much more natural new beginning. However, the concept of Begin as you mean to go on resonated with me because it’s so simple and you can start it at any beginning—a year, a month, a week, a day.
And usually, as Bardugo points out, change doesn’t happen in one big moment, but in the accumulation of countless small moments. Small moments that all begin somewhere, with small actions.
When I worked at an indie bookstore in my early 20s, we had a mystery/thriller author come do an author talk in our store and I will remember his advice forever. When someone asked a simple question about how to write a book, he said that if you write one page every day for a year you’ll have a book. 365 days, 365 pages. Doesn’t that feel so much more doable? Achievable? Dare I even say…easy?
Okay, writing a book is decidedly not easy. But framing it in a page a day does make it seem more reasonable. Surmountable.
All right, I’ve exhausted my adjectives, but the point stands. And yet, how can you even write a page a day if you never begin? If you never set aside even fifteen minutes to devote to your writing?
That’s how I mean for myself to go on. Simply. Intentionally.
I’m not trying to go from 0 to 60 in the snap of a finger. I think that’s why so many New Year’s resolutions fail. Because people expect themselves to change overnight, quickly. Their goals are too big, and they aren’t doing the slow work of building their stamina. Of starting small.
What’s your big goal for your novel-writing career this year? To get an agent? To finish writing a draft? To revise a draft? To self-publish? To start querying? These are all great goals to have. However, I challenge you to shift your focus. Not on the outcome, not on the final product, but to the process.
Writers are people who write. Regularly, in small increments or large. Fifteen minutes a day, or one page at a time. Begin there.
If your goal is to be a writer, begin as you mean to go on as a writer. By writing. Touch your story. Get behind the keyboard or journal about your character or plot.
If you can spend fifteen minutes scrolling social media or watching TV or whatever else, try finding 15 extra minutes to write. That’s what I am committing to doing—at the very least. And with any luck that fifteen minutes will turn into more than fifteen minutes. Maybe thirty. Maybe an hour, depending on the day.
My goal in 2026 is to reenter the query trenches. But I know I cannot do that without putting in the work. And one of the ways I’m doing that work is by being a part of accountability groups and running writing sprints in my Winter Story Studio, which kicks off again on 1/12.
If you’re looking to make progress on your novel and really kick off the new year right, consider joining us. In this small-group, 12-week container, it’s all about carving out the time to write. I run 4-5 hour-long writing sprints per week; plus, bi-weekly, we have formal meetings—a craft seminar, and a hot-seat real-time feedback session. All for $97.
It’s a way and place for you to commit to showing up for yourself and your writing. To prioritize consistency and community in this crazy writer’s life. I’m right there alongside you, doing the work, and navigating the ups and downs that we all stumble across.
I intend to begin this year as I mean to go on: with writing, community, and accountability. And I’ll hope you’ll join me, in practicality or in spirit.
Thanks for being here. Wishing you a bold, bright, creative 2026.
Offerings
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I'm committed to bringing you free quality craft, publishing industry, and motivational content on a regular basis. But for those of you who want more, here's my menu of services!
Developmental Edits: One spot open for April! Reach out if you're spinning your wheels in the query trenches or want a professional eye to help you figure out what's working and what's not. Email me or schedule a free 30-min chat.
Group Coaching: If you'd like to join us, we do 12-weeks of writing sprints 4-5x/week, and bi-weekly trainings and hot-seat coaching for a low quarterly rate. If you're looking for motivation, momentum, community, accountability, and a deepening of your craft skills, consider joining us! Find out more here. Let me know if you'd like to get on the wait list for the next session--starting late April.
Revision Confidence Workshop: A course in which I teach you how to revise your completed manuscript. Find out more here.
First chapter evaluations: Quick, simple feedback on your first 10 pages. Learn more or book here.
And that’s it for now! My goal is to simplify my offerings, and my newsletter, so that I can focus on doing the things I love (writing, teaching writing, connecting with authors, and providing clarity on the traditional publishing process.) while serving you to the best of my abilities.
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✨Momentum bites✨
Journal prompts to get you thinking and writing
👤Character👤
How does your character physically show anxiety or fear? Do they have a tick or gesture?
💖Mindset💖
What would happen if you replaced fifteen minutes of scrolling with writing each day?
🎨Take action🎨
Get out that red pen and cut weightless words and replace weak verbs with vivid ones.
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| What would you like to see more of from me in 2026 |
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Thanks so much for being here with me. I value you and I sincerely hope that I provide value for your writing journey. If you feel inclined, drop me a line and let me know what you’re working on!
Happy Writing and Cheers to 2026,
Karyn
P.S. Loving these emails? Buy me a cup of tea to say thanks. Or you can book a free 30-min story strategy chat here if you're interested in getting specific help with your book.
Granite Bay, CA
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