How do you write? As we begin the new year of 2022, it’s a perfect time to reflect on your writing goals, habits, accomplishments, and shortcomings from last year and look at what adjustments may be necessary for the year ahead.

Our collection of articles from around the web for this first week of 2022 includes The Scholarly Kitchen‘s year in review, Jane Friedman’s insight on what writers need to do, and the publishing industry’s projection on the continued effect of COVID-19 on returning to the office. The set continues with a vision for a new model library, Joanna Penn’s creative and business goals for the new year, and ends with four strategies for writing in a world of distractions.

Stephen King once described his answer to our opening question, saying, “When asked, ‘How do you write?’ I invariably answer, ‘one word at a time’.” It may be too much to look at the entire year ahead and plan your writing projects, so if necessary, start with just the next word in your project. Happy writing!

The Year in Review: 2021 in The Scholarly Kitchen

Back in 2019, I declared that our community was entering “The Great Acceleration“, a period of rapid change, and where 2020 was a year where the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic introduced enough chaos to sidetrack some of that progress, 2021 saw things back on pace as the ground beneath us continued to shift toward our next stage of being.

To Everyone Who Wants Me to Read Their Writing and Tell Them What to Do

Every year, countless people attempting to write their first book will reach out to me directly and ask if I’ll read their work and tell them what to do next. The request is perfectly natural, especially for those who know me in some way. I’ve spent 20+ years in the writing and publishing community, and my name gets around as an expert. Yes, I can often read something and know exactly what a writer should do. But here’s the real superpower: I often know what writers should do without reading a single word of their work.

Publishers Further Delay Office Return

As 2021 closed, trade book sales maintained robust levels seen throughout the COVID-19, notes Andrew Albanese, PW senior writer. Nevertheless, the Omicron variant has crushed hopes that staff might return soon to offices in New York City and elsewhere.

Guest Post — What’s Your Vision for a New Model Library?

The pandemic initiated or accelerated changes that often were executed in haste and with acknowledged and understandable imperfections. While we all continue to manage life with the pandemic, it is time to reflect on the changes that were made and assess which ones were effective. For library leaders, that means strategically transforming the library to adapt to evolving staff and community needs and expectations — moving toward a New Model Library.

My Creative And Business Goals For 2022 With Joanna Penn

I need to make plans to have something to aim for, but given how 2021 didn’t turn out as expected, for 2022 I will hold my plans and goals loosely and won’t be surprised if they change. If I start off with lower expectations, perhaps it will turn out to be a spectacular year for us all (fingers crossed!).

4 Strategies to Help Writers Focus in a World of Distractions

If you want to reach your writing goals this year, you’ve got to get rid of one thing: distractions. They surround you at every turn, vying for your attention, and every time they succeed, they pull you away from what really matters—your writing. This year, you don’t have to settle for less than what you want because of distractions. Try these four strategies to improve your focus and make your writing dreams come true.