NicoleA 4-step proven framework to finishing your writing projects while enjoying the sunshine and a holiday without guilt
Most writers have extremely high expectations for the summer. They plan too many goals and think they have all the time in the world. In fact, all the unfinished projects are crammed into the summer. But in reality, the summer flies by! And you feel bad for falling short, get overwhelmed, and procrastinate.
Below, I’m going to show you my 4-step framework to plan out your writing summer to finish at least one project (while still enjoying the sunshine!). This is based on coaching hundreds of authors and writers over the last 4 summers — I’ve seen all the pitfalls, and you’re going to avoid them.
Don’t overplan your summer. Create a doable roadmap instead.
Let’s dive in.
The illusion of an endless summer
I’ve seen it time and time again. The summer feels endless. You think you finally get it all done. But this vague feeling of hope can backfire if you don’t have a strategy for your summer.
Writers in my coaching programs implement a four-step framework to achieve their goals without sacrificing their summer holidays or time in the sun.
Here are the components — but if you want to jump into planning your summer, scroll down to step 1 and take 15 minutes to plan it out.
What a great summer plan needs:
- Focused Vision: By envisioning your Future Self, you set a clear and motivating end goal. This vision keeps you inspired and aligned with your objectives throughout the summer.
- Prioritisation: Focusing on one primary project prevents overwhelm and helps you make significant progress — rather than scattered, unfinished tasks. Nothing is worse than summer leftovers dragged into autumn (or even your Christmas holiday)!
- Realistic Planning: Accurately assessing your available writing days helps you set achievable goals. There is a difference between “I have all the time in the world” and “true time”. Don’t overcommit — reduce stress with realistic planning instead.
- Actionable Milestones: Breaking your project into smaller milestones provides a clear roadmap. We all know that. But how often do you put a date and milestone into your calendar? (Be honest!).
Here’s how to put this framework into action. Have pen and paper ready, and take 10–15 minutes to plan your summer with easy prompts.
Step 1: Your Future Self
Let’s create a strong vision for your writing summer. Your Future Self is an older version of you, in 2–3 months, who has written a lot and had a fantastic summer!
Take pen and paper, set a timer for 3 minutes, and write out that vision in detail:
- What does your ‘perfect’ writing summer look like? (e.g. where do you write? who is with you?)
- What has your Future Self written over the summer?
- What distractions / bad behaviours / toxic people has your Future Self said no to this summer?
- How does your Future Self feel about writing?
Step 2: What’s your 1 thing to finish this summer?
Rather than cramming all unfinished projects of 2024 into your summer, pick 1 priority goal (e.g. your book; an important article).
Fill in this prompt:
My top summer writing project is ______ .
I want to write ______(number) words.
I want to finish it by ____ (date).
Only add other goals if you are confident that they won’t distract you from your priority. One goal finished with ease is better than stressing about all your unfinished work.
Step 3: How long is your summer really?
Most people think they have 2–3 months of time. But when you deduct childcare, travel, and other obligations, your summer shrinks. That’s a good thing, because it stops you from setting unrealistic goals.
Fill in these prompts:
When does your writing summer officially start? ______ (date)
When does it end? ______ (date)
Now, count how many days lie between start and end. Make sure to deduct all holidays, travels, etc.
I have ______(number) writing days this summer.
Step 4: Milestones
Break up your top priority into milestones. For example, 2000 words of your book proposal by date x; or 8000 words for chapter 3 by date x.
What are your three summer milestones for your priority project?
Milestone 1: ____________ by date: _____________
Milestone 2: ____________ by date: _____________
Milestone 3: ____________ by date: _____________
Now, you have a clear priority goal. You have a realistic timeline. And you have small steps to be completed along the way.
If you want to flesh that out, I highly recommend The Write Habit Planner, which gives you:
- Goal Setting and Timeline templates for the summer
- Undated monthly and weekly pages to plan and track your writing
- Writer’s Toolbox including low rituals, unblocking tools, and habit training
- Free online course and Facebook community to hold each other accountable over the summer
Don’t believe the illusion of an endless summer
By following this framework, you’ll find a balance between productive writing and enjoying your summer. I have seen so many writers coming into my coaching programs in the fall, wishing they had learned this method earlier instead of wasting their time.
Scroll up, take those 10–15 minutes, and use the proven method to bring structure, clarity, and motivation to your summer writing!
And then… watch how your summer transforms from overwhelming to productive and enjoyable.
If you want to flesh that out, I highly recommend The Write Habit Planner, which gives you:
- Goal Setting and Timeline templates for the summer
- Undated monthly and weekly pages to plan and track your writing
- Writer’s Toolbox including low rituals, unblocking tools, and habit training
- Free online course and Facebook community to hold each other accountable over the summer
Here’s a special 🎁 gift for you:
• Buy The Write Habit Planner, email me a screenshot of your Amazon order (drjanznicole@gmail.com), and get an exclusive invite to my summer writing workshop on June 5, 1pm BST (recorded).
• And if you’ve bought the planner already, send me a screenshot of your Amazon review, and you’ll get an invite, too!
