This time of year, there is a huge focus on setting goals and making plans for the upcoming months (you can find my writing goals for 2025 here).
But amid New Year's resolutions, you may also find bucket lists. These tend to be on the fun side, like trying a new activity or traveling to a different country and are typically more long-term goals (ie, before you kick the bucket...).
While I definitely have writing goals like publishing my novels, I also have a writing-centric bucket list of fun little dreams I'd like to achieve in my writing career.
For the purposes of this post, I'm omitting the more substantial aspirations like seeing my books on the NYT bestseller list or having them made into a miniseries or film adaptation and instead want to focus on the things that are perhaps smaller or more uncommon.
Be A Book Club's Read
One thing I love seeing from the Bookstagram corner of my feed is book clubs getting together to discuss their latest read. Some of you guys get extra cute with themed cocktails or baking recipes mentioned in the story and believe me when I tell you I am here. for. it.
FOMO aside, it feels like it would be an immense honor to have your work selected to be read by a book club, be it because of a mutual interest in the genre or topic or one reader who is super into a book and wants to share it with their friends—or hate-read if that's more your style. It can be so fascinating to hear different perspectives on the same story—which is something I admittedly miss about language arts class reading groups in middle school.
In fact, you know what would be really cool? Being invited to join a book club meeting about one of my books via Zoom or similar. I think it would be so neat to drop in for a lil' Q&A and have a more in-depth conversation with readers.
While there should be a line that prevents authors from barging into reader spaces, chances are I would gladly accept an invitation to chat with my readers.
See My Books On The Local Authors Shelf
Many writers dream of seeing their work published and on bookstore shelves—and I'm certainly no exception. I love seeing clips of authors visiting local bookshops on release day to see their books on the shelf for the first time, and I cannot wait to do so myself.
But for me, there is a specific place that I want my stories to find their home on: the local authors shelf.
Some stores, like the Barnes & Noble where this photo was taken, might have a display showcasing the works of local authors, and there's something about the idea of my own stories being part of this display that is especially inspiring. It's a great opportunity to connect with local readers in your community and maybe even make some new bookish friends along the way!
Historical Dress Author Headshots
I've wanted to do this ever since a friend lent me her copy of Soulless by Gail Carriger. In the photo accompanying her author bio on the back cover, she's holding a parasol in gloved hands, and I thought that was the absolute coolest thing as a writer of historical fiction. There's just something whimsical about it, and it was the first time I could recall that an author's official headshot wasn't what others might deem "professional."
Incorporating bits of your stories' time period into your author photos can not only be fun, but they can help you stand out to readers while telling them a little bit about what you write.
I think it would be so neat to do a photo shoot in a Regency Era dress and use one of the pics as my official author headshot (and because I am Suzy Aalund's granddaughter and can't do anything the simple way, I'd be knocking something else off my bucket list and sewing the ensemble myself).
Cover-Matching Mani
Matching your nails to your book cover ahead of release day is something I've seen several authors do and as a nail art enthusiast myself, it's going to be a must for every novel I publish.
I typically do my own nails at home, but I think publishing a book warrants a trip to the salon.
I tend to keep my nail art relatively minimalistic, so I'm envisioning the base color being the most predominant of my book's cover with a simple embellishment in an accent color.
Not only would this look amazing in release day photos of me holding my book babies, but it could potentially be a great conversation starter, too.
Honesty, with all of the stress that goes into publishing a book, I'll deserve a little pampering—as long as I can still type with my nails done!
Book Signing In Cincinnati
This one may sound kind of random. Out of all the cities in the country, let alone the world, why Cincinnati? Why not New Orleans or Seattle or Las Vegas for example?
Well, truth be told, those cities are also bucket list travel destinations for me in general, not just in terms of writing. But as for Cincinnati being at the top of my list for cities to have a book signing in, the reason becomes a little clearer when you find out I'm a Cincinnati Bengals fan.
Ever since Joe Burrow saved my Fantasy Football team from coming in dead last in its first outing (which also happened to be his first season in the NFL), the Bengals have become my team—which is a little unusual when you live in Connecticut and are surrounded by Giants and Patriots fans.
I love the idea of doing a signing or other bookish event on a Saturday and staying in the city overnight to attend a home game at Paycor the following Sunday. How much fun would that be?! Especially if it's a Stripe The Jungle game (I've got a black Burrow jersey but would have no problem picking up an orange one if the need arose).
And on the very off chance that Joe Burrow or anyone associated with the Bengals is reading this post, consider this an open invitation to any bookish events I end up doing in the Cincinnati area someday.
Who Dey! 🏈🐅
I think it's fair to say that writers share a lot of the same goals. We dream of seeing our books in print, holding the physical copy for the first time, and maybe even seeing ourselves on the bestseller's list or earning prestigious accolades for our hard work and dedication.
Some of the dreams on my writerly bucket list might be a little far-fetched and frivolous, but that's the fun of having a bucket list in the first place. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, it's fun to imagine all of the things the future might hold for you and your stories, even if they are a little out there.
What's something from your writerly bucket list? Tell me in the comments below!
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