by Kelly Carey

​I am struggling to set my 2025 goals.
 
Yup. 
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Ten years of 24 Carrot Writing, an entire philosophy centered on finding publishing success by setting goals, and I’m stymied. It’s embarrassing. I’ve written dozens of blog posts on goal setting. Championed the benefits. Encouraged, preached, and even nagged all of you to set goals.

​But here I am. More than halfway through January, and I can’t figure out my 2025 goals. 
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My primary objective is to get another book deal. But I’ve been gripping that macro goal so hard for so long that my hands are cramping and I’m crushing my dream. 

My first book deal came six years ago. The book launched four years ago, and two years ago I landed a wonderful, hardworking agent. I had momentum. I ran on a mental treadmill faster and faster with the slope getting higher and higher, fully convinced that any less effort would be a massive squandering of all this buzz. I was determined not to fitter this time away. 

But here is what happened. The longer I went without a book deal, the more manic I became.
 
Do you know what you can’t do when you are manic?
 
Write in a wonderful place of creative bliss. 

Enjoy the process. 

Be happy. 
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Flow. 
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During a guided meditation last week, the instructor said you cannot catch a feather with anything other than an open palm. Letting a feather float into an outstretched hand, or a snowflake land on a waiting tongue, is exactly the creative magic I want in my writing. To make it happen, I need to unclench my fists and be ready to receive the inspiration and opportunities the universe is offering. 
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But how do I do that and still set measurable goals? There must be a balance between manic goal setting and floating on the current of “whatever dude.”  But what is it? 

A family member suggested I check out Planned Happenstance. 

Planned Happenstance is a theory developed by John Krumboltz that suggests folks don’t need a planned conventional career path but rather can succeed by paying attention to and taking advantage of unplanned and serendipitous events. Krumboltz’s theory says that you shouldn’t become so rigidly committed to your plans, or in my case goals, that you miss the chance to explore new opportunities. Even more, Planned Happenstance encourages people to be open to new ideas that spark their interest, bring them joy, and coincide with their skill set. Planned Happenstance is about flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to persist through obstacles with a positive attitude focused on growth and learning. 

Pursing a creative career seems custom made for applying the theory of Planned Happenstance. The whole idea of being an author is to be open to the inspiration of your muse. To be untethered and inspired and inventive. 
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Through the lens of Planned Happenstance, setting goals makes sense. I can’t control when the next book deal is going to come, but I can embrace the joy of writing. I can develop the story ideas and revise the rough drafts that make me smile. I can actively look for and pursue new opportunities to contribute to the KidLit industry. I can connect with my writing community, learn, and increase my skill set. 

When the book deal comes, I will be ready to take full advantage of catching that beautiful floating feather as it lands in my open palm. 
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I’m off to set my 2025 goals with excited curiosity for what happenstance is going to send my way. I hope you are too. 

​To learn more about Planned Happenstance, check out these articles: 
https://marcr.net/marcr-for-career-professionals/career-theory/career-theories-and-theorists/planned-happenstance-theory-krumboltz-levin/
https://london.sunderland.ac.uk/about/news-home/careers-development/planned-happenstance/
https://www.careers.govt.nz/resources/career-practice/career-theory-models/krumboltzs-theory/

Guest blog by Emma Dhesi

Writing a book can feel like an exhilarating adventure—until self-doubt, writer’s block, and the sheer complexity of the process set in. For beginner fiction writers, these challenges can feel overwhelming. But with the right mindset and tools, you can conquer them and achieve your writing dreams.

As a bestselling author and certified book coach, I’ve learned that success in writing is as much about managing your mindset as it is about mastering the craft.
 
To help new writers navigate this journey, I’ve developed a framework built around four essential pillars: Awareness, Acceptance, Growth, and Fun. These pillars are the foundation of a resilient author mindset, helping you stay motivated, overcome obstacles, and rediscover the joy of writing.

Let’s dive into each pillar and explore how it can transform your writing journey.
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 Awareness: Understanding Your Landscape
Every journey begins with awareness—and your writing journey is no different. Awareness means taking stock of where you are right now in your writing life. Are you just starting out? Have you been dabbling for years but never finished a project? Or perhaps you’ve finished drafts but feel stuck revising?

For many authors, the excitement of starting their first book can quickly give way to the realization that writing is harder than it seems. But awareness of your starting point is empowering. It allows you to set realistic goals and embrace the learning process.

As a beginner, it’s important to acknowledge that writing is a skill that develops over time. When you understand that you’re at the start of a long but rewarding journey, you can focus on building your skills step by step. This awareness helps you avoid unrealistic expectations and keeps you grounded as you move forward.
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Acceptance: Embracing Your Current State
Once you’ve gained awareness of where you are, the next step is acceptance. This is about making peace with your current level of skill and experience. It’s easy to compare yourself to seasoned authors or feel frustrated by your progress, but acceptance frees you from these negative emotions.

Acceptance doesn’t mean settling for less or giving up on your goals. Instead, it’s about acknowledging that growth takes time and that every writer’s journey is unique. By embracing your current state, you create space for improvement without unnecessary pressure.

In the author community, it’s common to see writers at all stages of their careers. Some are publishing multiple books a year, while others are still struggling with their first draft. The key is to focus on your own progress and trust that you’re exactly where you need to be right now.​
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Growth: Embracing the Challenge
The third pillar, growth, is where the magic happens—but it’s also where the hard work begins. Growth requires you to push through the challenges of writing, whether it’s overcoming procrastination, battling imposter syndrome, or simply finding the discipline to write consistently.

Writing a book is like solving a complex puzzle. There’s the initial burst of excitement when you start, but eventually, you’ll hit the “messy middle” of the process. This is where doubts creep in, plot holes appear, and the finish line feels impossibly far away. Growth happens when you persevere through these moments.

It’s important to remember that growth is not linear. Some days, you’ll make great strides, while others may feel like a step backward. But every challenge you face—whether it’s revising a tricky scene or learning to take constructive feedback—helps you become a stronger writer.
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Allow yourself the space to experiment, make mistakes, and learn. Growth is not about perfection; it’s about progress.

Fun: Reconnecting with Joy
The final pillar is fun—perhaps the most overlooked yet most critical part of the writing process. Writing should bring you joy. After all, isn’t that why you started in the first place?

It’s easy to lose sight of the joy when you’re bogged down by deadlines, self-imposed pressure, or the desire to create a “perfect” book. But reconnecting with the fun of writing can reignite your creativity and keep you motivated for the long haul.

Think back to the moment you decided to write your book. Was it a story idea that excited you? A character that wouldn’t leave your mind? Revisit those sparks of inspiration whenever you feel stuck.

Fun doesn’t just come from the act of writing—it can also come from celebrating your milestones, connecting with fellow writers, or exploring new genres and styles. When you focus on enjoying the journey, writing becomes less of a chore and more of a creative adventure.
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Conclusion: Building Your Author Success
The four pillars--Awareness, Acceptance, Growth, and Fun—provide a strong foundation for your writing journey. They help you navigate the ups and downs, stay focused on your goals, and remember why you started writing in the first place.

Becoming a successful author isn’t just about finishing a book; it’s about who you become in the process. Writing challenges you to grow, to think deeply, and to persevere. Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your dream of becoming a published author.
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Take Action: Your 21 Days of Writing Inspiration
If you’re ready to put these four pillars into action, I have the perfect resource to help you get started. My 21 Days of Writing Inspiration video series is designed to give you the daily motivation, expert guidance, and support you need to build momentum and finish your book.

This free program includes:
Daily Motivation: Short, actionable videos sent straight to your inbox to help you develop a consistent writing habit.
Expert Guidance: Proven strategies to overcome writer’s block and stay focused.
Support and Encouragement: Because writing a book is easier when you don’t feel alone.

These tips helped me write the first draft of my debut novel, stay on track during revisions, and finally finish my book—and they can do the same for you.

Sign up for your free 21 Days of Writing Inspiration here. 

Remember, every great author started right where you are now. Embrace the journey, nurture these four pillars, and watch your author success unfold. You’ve got this!