Creating a Vision Board for Authors: Stay Inspired and Focused

Creating a Vision Board for Authors: Stay Inspired and Focused on Your Writing Goals

Creating a Vision Board for Authors

Stay Inspired and Focused on Your Writing Goals

As an author, the writing journey is filled with dreams, goals, and aspirations – from finishing that first draft to seeing your book in the hands of readers. However, staying motivated and focused can be a challenge, especially when facing creative blocks, tight deadlines, or the demands of life.

A vision board is a powerful tool to keep your writing goals front and center. By visualizing your dreams and mapping them out creatively, you can stay inspired, organized, and connected to your “why” as a writer. In this article, we’ll explore how to create a vision board tailored to your unique goals as an author. Whether you’re writing your first novel, self-publishing, or aiming for bestseller status, a vision board can help you stay the course.

Why Create a Vision Board as an Author?

A vision board is more than just a collection of pretty pictures – it’s a motivational compass that helps you stay aligned with your goals. For authors, it can:

Clarify Your Vision: Define your goals for your writing journey.
Boost Motivation: Serve as a reminder of why you started and where you’re headed.
Spark Creativity: Use imagery and words to reignite your imagination.
Track Progress: Visualize milestones, from finishing drafts to publishing your book.

With these benefits in mind, it’s easy to see why so many writers turn to vision boards as a source of inspiration and guidance.

Steps to Create Your Author Vision Board

1. Reflect on Your Writing Goals

First and foremost, start by reflecting on your aspirations as an author. Ask yourself:

What do I want to achieve this year? (e.g., finish a manuscript, secure an agent, publish a book)
Where do I see my writing career in five years?
How do I want readers to feel when they read my work?
What motivates me to write?

Once you’ve answered these questions, write down your responses and organize them into specific areas, such as:

Creative Goals: Finishing a draft, starting a new genre, or exploring poetry.
Professional Goals: Landing a book deal, growing your platform, or attending a writing conference.
Personal Goals: Establishing a writing routine, overcoming self-doubt, or building confidence.

By clarifying your goals, you’ll have a clear direction for your vision board.

2. Choose Your Vision Board Style

Next, decide whether you want to create a physical vision board or a digital one.

Physical Vision Board: Perfect if you enjoy hands-on creativity and want something tangible to display.
Digital Vision Board: Ideal if you prefer working on your computer or want a board you can access anywhere.

Both approaches can be equally effective, so choose the one that best suits your preferences. If you’re unsure, you can even try both to see which resonates more with you.

3. Gather Inspiration

Now that you’ve chosen your style, it’s time to gather materials and inspiration. Think about what represents your writing goals and dreams. Here are some ideas to include on your vision board:

Images:

Photos of bookshelves or your dream writing space.
Covers of your favorite books or examples of what you envision for your own.
Pictures of places, characters, or objects that inspire your current project.

Quotes and Affirmations:

Motivational quotes about writing (e.g., “The first draft is just you telling yourself the story” – Terry Pratchett).
Personal affirmations like, “I am a writer,” or “My words matter.”

Milestones:

Representations of goals like finishing a draft, hitting a word count, or signing with a publisher.
Images of awards, bestseller lists, or even fan mail to visualize success.

Symbols:

Items that resonate with your writing, like pens, typewriters, or coffee mugs.
Symbols of your genre, such as fantasy maps, romantic hearts, or thriller shadows.

As you gather these materials, remember to focus on what truly resonates with you and aligns with your unique vision.

4. Create and Arrange Your Board

Now comes the fun part – assembling your vision board! Whether physical or digital, here’s how to bring it all together:

Start with a Blank Canvas: Use a corkboard, poster board, or design tool like Canva.
Group by Theme: Arrange visuals by categories, such as creative goals, milestones, and motivations.
Add Personal Touches: Include sketches, handwritten notes, or even a picture of yourself to symbolize your role in the process.
Keep It Balanced: Make your board visually appealing, but remember – it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Take your time during this step, allowing the process to inspire you.

5. Place and Use Your Vision Board

Once your vision board is complete, it’s essential to display or save it somewhere you’ll see it often.

Physical Boards: Place it near your writing desk, in your home office, or even on a bedroom wall.
Digital Boards: Set it as your desktop wallpaper, phone background, or save it in an accessible folder.

Then, make a habit of using your vision board as a tool to stay motivated. When you feel stuck or discouraged, spend a few moments looking at it to remind yourself why you write and the goals you’re working toward.

Tips for a Successful Author Vision Board

Finally, here are some extra tips to ensure your vision board helps you succeed:

Dream Big: Include bold goals that excite and challenge you.
Focus on the Journey: Your board should reflect progress and milestones, not just the end result.
Stay Flexible: Revisit your board periodically to adjust your goals or refresh the visuals.
Involve Writing Friends: Consider hosting a vision board party with fellow writers for added inspiration and accountability.

Examples of Goals for Author Vision Boards

If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few examples of author-specific goals to inspire you:

Completing a novel or hitting a word count goal.
Polishing a manuscript for submission.
Self-publishing and planning a book launch.
Building an author platform through social media or a website.
Networking with other writers at conferences or workshops.

In closing, a vision board is a creative and empowering way to focus your energy and bring clarity to your writing journey. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just beginning to write your first story, the process of creating one can reignite your passion and remind you of the incredible potential within you.