Are you feeling that back-to-school energy in the air? Even if you’re not buying notebooks for class, this is a phenomenal time of year for writers. Summer’s over. You’re tanned, rested, and ready to focus.

If you’re serious about finishing the year strong, now is the time to create a 12 week plan to make it happen. Imagine: 12 focused weeks to make meaningful progress on your writing in time to enjoy the holidays stress free. Of course, fall can also be a whirlwind: the school year ramps up, holidays crowd the calendar, and year‑end obligations pile on.

That’s exactly why the 12 Week Year for Writers exists. When the world gets busy, we shrink the time horizon, narrow the focus, and execute simple, steady habits.

Your Finishing‑Strong Plan

If you’re ready to tackle the last plan of the year, here’s your roadmap.

1) Focus on one thing that matters. Pick a single project (or a single outcome within a project) to define success by the end of the year. Example: “Draft Chapters 4–6” or “Revise and submit the article.”

2) Set realistic goals (and make them measurable). Translate that focus into a 12‑week outcome and a few weekly tactics.

• 12 Week Goals:

  • Complete Ch. 4

  • Complete Ch. 5

  • Complete Ch. 6

• Weekly tactics: “Write Ch. 4 analysis” “Outline Ch. 5,” “Proofread Ch. 4-6”

3) Commit to a steady writing schedule you can keep. Anchor your writing to 2–4 recurring blocks/week that respect your real life (school events, travel, holidays). Protect these blocks like meetings with a client.

4) Follow the Weekly Writing Routine. Review your progress each week. Confirm your plans for the week ahead. Start each day with a quick daily huddle. Meet with a writing group. Accountability turns good intentions into consistent execution.

A quick start you can do today (10 min)

• Choose your single focus. What will make Dec 31 feel like a win?

• Draft your 12‑week outcome. What will be undeniably finished?

• Brainstorm project chunks What are the stepping stone things that need doing to reach your outcome?

• List 3–5 weekly tactics. Identify the specific tactics you will complete to finish each chunk. Inputs you control, not hopes or wishes.

• Block your writing sessions on your calendar through December.

• Find your crew. Start a writing group or join the 12 Week Year for Writers community :-)

Join us live: Finishing Strong Workshop

Join coach Leilah Moodley for a hands-on workshop where we’ll build your 12‑week plan together—on the spot.

• Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm ET (replay will be available to all participants)

• What you’ll get: A clear focus, a realistic 12 week plan, a calendar you can keep, and accountability to carry you through the holidays

• Who it’s for: Any writer who wants a calm, consistent, done-by-December plan

Register for the workshop now: