Creative Intentions for the Year Ahead (Not Resolutions)
I don’t believe in creative resolutions.
Resolutions are rigid. They’re rooted in pressure, timelines, and the quiet belief that if you don’t get it right immediately, you’ve already failed. At the start of a new year, there’s always a rush of motivation and a desire to do things differently—but that “high” won’t last twelve months. There has to be a reason strong enough to keep you going when the New Year sparkle wears off.
What I do believe in is intention.
Intention leaves room for growth, adjustment, and grace. It allows you to move forward without demanding perfection. And as we settle into a new year, that’s exactly how I want to approach my craft, my business, and my creative life.
My word last year was intentional, and for most of the year, I truly lived that way. But on the days I didn’t, there was room to reset without guilt. One thing I’ve learned: don’t wait for a “pretty” day to restart. Don’t wait for Monday. Don’t wait for the first of the month. When you notice you’re off track, readjust right then and keep moving.
Defining What Success Looks Like (For Me)
This year, I’ve been thinking a lot about what success actually means to me—not in vague terms, but in a way I can return to on the hard days. A friend and I were talking recently about wanting to have things “figured out,” without ever defining what that actually looks like.
This year, I’m defining it.
If you want something, you have to be specific about what you want.
When I picture success, I picture a blend of three women I deeply admire: JF Penn, Willow Winters, and Alex Aster.
Not because I want to be them or copy what they’ve built—but because each of them represents a piece of the kind of career I’m working toward. There are so many incredible authors to look to when setting goals, and you should. Just like authors tell you to read what you write, you should also watch what you want.
I listen to JF Penn’s podcast every week. She keeps me informed about the industry and regularly interviews authors who share invaluable insight. Willow Winters built a brand—an empire, really—on her name. Alex Aster, though traditionally published, is traveling the world meeting readers because one TikTok took off.
When I picture myself with a big backlist, traveling for my books, selling direct, and running an online store—it’s women like them I look to.
To me, success looks like:
A sustainable, successful author business
Visibility in reader spaces—conferences, book events, tours, and signings
A recognizable voice and presence readers trust
A career built for longevity, not burnout
That big-picture dream starts becoming reality in 2026—but the groundwork starts now.
The Steps That Matter This Year
Big dreams don’t happen all at once. They happen through small, often unglamorous steps taken consistently.
This year, that looks like:
Attending more in-person events, including Wild Deadwood Reads and Author/Reader Nation (with the goal of adding at least one more)
Showing up more intentionally on social media—not just to promote, but to connect
Engaging with readers and other writers in a way that feels human, not transactional
One of my biggest long-term dreams is to host my own writing retreat someday—bringing together some of the incredible authors I’ve met both in person and online.
That dream doesn’t require me to know how yet.
It just requires me to keep showing up.
SOAR: My Word for the Year
I’ve said this before, and I’m saying it again: my word for 2026 is SOAR.
Not cautiously.
Not halfway.
Fully.
There’s an influencer I love on TikTok who says, “fuck the how,” especially when talking about manifestation—and that mindset is shaping this year for me.
These things are happening. The why and the how are up to the universe. My job is to act like the person I say I’m becoming.
Manifestation works because belief changes behavior. You start making decisions like that future version of yourself. You stop shrinking. You stop hesitating.
You move.
What I’m Writing Into Next
Every book I’ve ever written has dealt with death in some way.
This year, I want to explore it even more deeply—not just death itself, but the fear of it. The unknown. The way grief reshapes us. The growth that comes after loss, even when it doesn’t feel fair.
My concrete writing goals this year are:
Publishing the next three books in the Ashenheart series
(Yes, I know this is a huge goal—but with planning and consistent word counts, I believe it’s possible.)Writing and releasing a Christmas novella
(Whether it’s Ashenheart-focused or not is still undecided.)
The themes will be heavy. The stories will be human. And they’ll continue to ask questions I don’t yet have answers to.
Letting Go Is Part of the Plan
I’ve also been thinking a lot about what not to do.
Recently, I made the decision to step away from YouTube—for now. I even caught myself considering restarting one day a week before stopping and reminding myself: you have a plan.
Realistically, YouTube would turn into sporadic posting at best—and sporadic effort doesn’t align with the kind of career I’m building.
So for this season, my focus is clear:
Instagram
TikTok
My Facebook reader group
Letting go isn’t failure. It’s focus.
I challenge you to pick one thing in 2026 to stop doing.
Quit Day—and Why I’m Still Here
Tomorrow is Quit Day—the day most people give up on their New Year’s goals.
Isn’t that heartbreaking?
We’re not even ten days into the year, and belief disappears that quickly.
I don’t want that to be me.
I believe in myself deeply. Now the work is consistency. Showing up when motivation fades. Making the boring choices that future me will be grateful for.
Belief is the spark—but discipline is what keeps the fire going.
And this year?
I’m not quitting.
If this resonated with you: I’d love to know what your creative intentions are this year—the ones you can return to when you feel tired or unsure.
You’re welcome to share in the comments, or reach out privately at shalanabattles@gmail.com.
