As a new year enters, people are inevitably left questioning what their resolution should be for the upcoming year. While joining the gym or completing Veganuary are perfectly valid options, here at the Maker we invite our readers to take on a more ‘bookish’ resolution this new year. Thus, we’ve composed a list of literary resolutions for you to adopt. While this list ranges in achievability, whether you accomplish these resolutions or not is up to you! But hopefully it will kickstart your journey for a literary filled 2023! 

Make a Goodreads account 

A great way to track your reading, Goodreads allows you to record what books you’ve read and most importantly which books you’ve enjoyed across the year. Goodreads is also great for finding new books and authors you might enjoy, with its useful user reviews helping you suss out whether a novel is worth your time. 

Submit a piece of creative writing to ‘The Maker’ 

The Maker accepts submissions to be published on our blog every month. The new year is a great opportunity to rekindle a love for creative writing. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for our monthly themes and calls for content. We’re looking forward to reading your submissions! 

Try a new genre 

It’s easy to get bogged down in reading the one genre that we’ve deemed to ‘only’ like. I’m personally guilty of this, sticking mostly to fiction. So, break out of your comfort zone and try a book in a completely different genre. You never know, you might just find your new favourite novel. 

Quit books you’re not enjoying 

I do understand the feeling of obligation to finish a book after you’ve started it. However, the satisfying sense of completing a book is ruined if you’ve been trudging through the pages hating every minute of it. This year make the call and put down a book if you’re not enjoying. I’m sure you’ll easily find another that’s right up your street. 

Stop buying new books! 

For those with overflowing bookcases and TBR lists, make a pledge to steer clear of your local Waterstones and actually read all the books you’ve bought for yourself. 

Set a page goal a day 

Whether it’s 10 or 100, set an achievable goal on how much you want to read in a day. Even 10 minutes of reading a day will help you unwind and get you out of that reading slump. 

Keep a book journal  

Actually reflect on the literature you consume. It’s easy to put down a book after you’ve finished and forgot what happened in it. Take some time to evaluate what you liked and didn’t like in a book using a journal. This will not only help you appreciate what you’ve read more, but also help you understand what themes and styles you like in literature. 

Read that book you always said you were going to read 

Often there’s always one book you’ve always said you’d read but you “never got quite got round to it.” Commit the time this year to reading it. 

Join the local library  

The local library has an abundance of books for free that you can read and enjoy. Take a visit and have a good browse for any potential new novels that you could read this new year. 

Visit an independent bookshop 

Support local businesses! Instead of ordering your next book on Amazon next day delivery, google independent bookstores near you. They are often charming and you’re sure to meet some lovely book sellers who can recommend you amazing new reads. 

Hopefully this list has given you’ve some ‘litsperation’ for your new year’s resolution. We wish you all a Happy New Year from all of us at The Maker. We’re looking forward to our blog’s development in the upcoming new year, so stay tuned for more exciting content in 2023.