Ooh, I love this!! And it also reminds me of the Brene Brown book, Daring Greatly, which I found very powerful... I think it's time for a reread in 2026!
This is such a great post. Thank you WGChatters! My 2026 word is resonate. If it doesn’t resonate then I’m not doing it. Haha! That’s a lie. I’m querying for the first time. One month down, 51 queries in, and querying does not resonate. We hates it. What does resonate is being an agented author. So I show up, and send 10 queries a week. I’m hoping to finish by mid-April, but sometimes I think I’ll just blast out those 150 and gedderdone.
Thanks for sharing, Marta! I love the idea of using resonate as a word of the year!! But also I see what you mean about thinking long term. I have met exactly zero people who love querying haha! But every no gets you closer to the yes. Rooting for you!!
I love this post! Happy new year even though we are in February.
My word for the year is momentum. There was so much momentum last year for the launch of my debut novel. And I tried to soak up every moment of it. But it was also exhausting (as you all know!). I feel myself honoring that journey while also pivoting to writing my second novel. So I’m now going to shift that momentum toward my new WIP.
I’ve always been someone who has mapped out my goals for the year meticulously. Like some of you mentioned, I find myself being a bit more relaxed about that. Yes this former metrics gal is not going to track as many metrics! lol. Just the ones that keep me inspired and motivated, but not enough to feel like it’s a chore.
Fab word choice, Lisa! Especially as you’re working on a new book. I’m glad you’re able to find a balance that works for you this year too. Metrics can be powerful, but so can just going with the flow!
I’m back in the query trenches, which itself is a stretch in terms of trying to protect my mental health!
Sending all the good query vibes, Sarah!! Keep us posted ✨
Thank you!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Such a stretch! And it also requires nerves of steel! I hope you won’t be hanging out there long 🤞
You and me both 🤣. Thank you!! ❤️
My word for the year is Dare. Dare to believe I can succeed. Dare to take risks. Closely related to courage, but as a verb, more active!
Ooh, I love this!! And it also reminds me of the Brene Brown book, Daring Greatly, which I found very powerful... I think it's time for a reread in 2026!
That’s such a good one! May need to steal it next year 😉 Thank you for sharing!
This is such a great post. Thank you WGChatters! My 2026 word is resonate. If it doesn’t resonate then I’m not doing it. Haha! That’s a lie. I’m querying for the first time. One month down, 51 queries in, and querying does not resonate. We hates it. What does resonate is being an agented author. So I show up, and send 10 queries a week. I’m hoping to finish by mid-April, but sometimes I think I’ll just blast out those 150 and gedderdone.
So proud of you for taking this step, Marta!! Querying is a slog, but there's no way out but through. Cheering you on, and keep us posted!
There’s no way out but through! Thanks for that.
Thanks for sharing, Marta! I love the idea of using resonate as a word of the year!! But also I see what you mean about thinking long term. I have met exactly zero people who love querying haha! But every no gets you closer to the yes. Rooting for you!!
Haha!
How true. Every no gets me closer to a yes. Another reframe I’ll tuck in my pocket!
I love this post! Happy new year even though we are in February.
My word for the year is momentum. There was so much momentum last year for the launch of my debut novel. And I tried to soak up every moment of it. But it was also exhausting (as you all know!). I feel myself honoring that journey while also pivoting to writing my second novel. So I’m now going to shift that momentum toward my new WIP.
I’ve always been someone who has mapped out my goals for the year meticulously. Like some of you mentioned, I find myself being a bit more relaxed about that. Yes this former metrics gal is not going to track as many metrics! lol. Just the ones that keep me inspired and motivated, but not enough to feel like it’s a chore.
Fab word choice, Lisa! Especially as you’re working on a new book. I’m glad you’re able to find a balance that works for you this year too. Metrics can be powerful, but so can just going with the flow!