4 New Year’s Intentions for Screenwriters

Each year around this time I like to set intentions for the new year (I like “intentions” rather than “resolutions” - takes the pressure off a bit). I take a beat to reflect on the past year (I always think it’s helpful to look back over the past a little when setting intentions for the future). I think about what I’ve learned, what I’ve accomplished (I’m usually happily surprised that I got so much done. It never seems like it in the moment), I think about what I’ve enjoyed, and one of the things I’ve enjoyed the most is doing these blogs and sharing what I hope is useful information. I’m always gratified when I hear that people have gotten something helpful from my posts.

After I’ve considered (and celebrated) what I did in 2021, I focus in on what my hopes are for the year ahead, and then set intentions to carry into 2022. When you think of them as intentions or goals, rather than stressful resolutions you must accomplish, this can actually be a great way to appreciate all you’ve learned over the past 12 months and mindfully take those lessons with you into the year ahead.

So, what did 2021 teach you? What intentions do you want to set for your career or your personal life? What is something you’ve never done that you finally want to try in 2022?

Here are 4 New Year’s resolution/intention ideas for screenwriters:

1. Focus on what makes you happy

Being a screenwriter is tough at the best of times. It can be a constant emotional rollercoaster that ends in rejection nine times out of ten. So, consider setting an intention for 2022 to always keep your happiness in mind. Don’t let yourself be taken advantage of (there’s working for low pay as you climb the career ladder, and then there’s just plain exploitation. Be careful about what you agree to). Don’t work with toxic creative partners (don’t get me wrong, you will most likely have to work with challenging producers and executives over the course of your career, but there’s a line between challenging and horrible). Do make room in your writing career for happiness and self-respect. If you do, it will make each day a little easier, and help keep you from falling into ‘jaded Hollywood writer territory’.

2. Write something for your soul

Stop trying to deliver what you “think” the market wants. Instead, set an intention to focus on writing what makes your soul happy. I get it, today’s market is competitive, it’s easy to become consumed with the idea of writing a script that will “sell” rather than writing what you love (this includes writing something just to win a script competition or get on The Black List) . Of course, I hope everyone reading this writes many scripts that sell for lots of money - but usually when a script is written for the sole purpose of marketability rather than real passion, it falls flat. It rarely feels fresh or unique because chances are you’re basing it off of what’s already in the marketplace. Hollywood gets excited about stories they’ve never heard before, or heard in quite that way before. Scripts that deliver a passionate and unique point of view. Try writing for your soul first, rather than a network, best-of-list, or executive. You might be surprised when you find it’s that authenticity that sells your script.

3. Meet New People

In 2020, most of our lives got a lot “smaller”. Meetings and film festivals moved to Zoom, networking events died, and - with COVID never really going away - many writers carried this “hermit” lifestyle into and throughout 2021. I realize we’re all still cautious of personal space and staying healthy, but try setting an intention to get back out into the world, as it’s safe and meet new people. Whether you’re more comfortable logging onto a Screenwriters group meeting, or going to a networking event in person, meeting new people helps our careers and broadens our personal lives. Find ways to authentically reconnect with the people around you - both for your career, and your sanity. 

4. Make Self Care a Priority

When you’re a writer, it’s easy to get caught up in working all the time (especially if you’re trying to break into Hollywood). Most of the writers I know feel like they need to constantly generate new material and network, network, network. Plus, if you’re lucky, you’re doing all of that around meetings, contract negotiations, or long hours in a writers room. This kind of career commitment is great, but unless you find time to practice self-care somewhere in that busy schedule, you’re going to burn out. So, this year, why not try creating your own self-care routine. It doesn’t have to be fancy, expensive, or time consuming. It might just be a 20 minute walk around the block every morning, spending time in nature once a week, or trying a new hobby — anything that gets you away from your laptop (and your phone and yes, even TikTok) and gets you outside your routine. Trust me, taking the time to super charge your creativity, physical health and sense of self will only add to your writing.

Looking for more New Year’s intention ideas? Check out my post from last year, and I wish you all a safe, healthy, and hopefully-nearly-normal holiday and a great start to 2022!

What intentions have you made for 2022? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!