You did it!! You connected with your writing dream, you identified and maybe even visited a place or environment that speaks to your soul, and you explored solutions to challenges that stop you or slow you down as you move towards making your writing dream come true.

Now what?

I recommend breaking your dream down into bite-size goals. I find that the "smaller" or more accessible a goal is, the more likely you are to achieve it, and the more motivated you'll be to keep working towards your dream.

For example, we could turn "get my book published next year" into the following bite-size goals:

- Finish editing book

- Write query letter

- Send query letter to readers

- Review and implement feedback

- Research and select literary agents

- Tailor query letters

- Send query letters

@authorbrittanywang (on Instagram) sets monthly and quarterly writing goals over the course of a year. I think this increases the likelihood that you'll complete your goals and helps you turn your dream into tangible steps you can act on – soon.

I recommend taking your writing dream and breaking it down into bite-size goals, and then assigning those goals to different months or times of the year so you have a visual tool to help keep you on track.

As you do this, remember to be flexible! Sometimes things come up that may be more important than writing. As per the theme of this week's takeover, I encourage you to follow your heart – it will tell you what to do.

One of the most important writing lessons I can share is this: it's okay not to write all the time, and if you want to write, you will find your way back to writing. Take time to enjoy and appreciate all the wonderful things and people around you. What nourishes your soul also nourishes your writing and, really, the most important story you'll ever write is the one you're living.

You're also welcome to connect with me on Instagram at @marisabarattaoghia.

Good luck, everyone, and happy writing!