#48: How to Outline Your Fiction Writing Year Like a Week episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 12, 2026 · 31 MIN

#48: How to Outline Your Fiction Writing Year Like a Week

from The Confident Fiction Author · host Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer

If you’re anything like me, you may be coming out of the holiday fog still asking, “Wait, what day is it again?” January can feel like a groggy Monday morning. And just like Mondays, it may take a little time to warm up before we hit our stride.In this week’s episode of The Confident Fiction Author podcast, I’m sharing a unique way I plan my writing year: I outline my year with the same kind of rhythm as my week.Here’s what you’ll discover inside:Why January–March is your “Monday” and the best time for deep, focused projects, followed by springtime Tuesday and keeping the momentum going.How to use the summer “slump” as your creative Wednesday to refuel instead of beating yourself up.Why autumn feels like a “Thursday” second wind—a time to finish well.How to approach November and December as your weekend: time for personal projects, reflection, and intentional rest.When you map your year like a full week, you’ll stop expecting every month to look the same. You’ll give yourself permission to work with your natural creative rhythms, not against them.After you listen, hop over to my Substack at fictioncourses.substack.com and share how you would outline your year like a week. I’d love to hear what big projects you’re planning for your “Monday.”***Free resources for you:The Confident Fiction Author Toolkit: fictioncourses.com/toolkitDictation + Scrivener Power Combo Mini Course: fictioncourses.com/dictationDictation for Authors: Tools and Tips of the Trade: fictioncourses.com/dictationguide5 Stereotypes to Avoid When Writing about Native Americans: fictioncourses.com/stereotypes

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jan 12, 2026

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If you’re anything like me, you may be coming out of the holiday fog still asking, “Wait, what day is it again?” January can feel like a groggy Monday morning. And just like Mondays, it may take a little time to warm up before we hit our stride. In this week’s episode of The Confident Fiction Author podcast, I’m sharing a unique way I plan my writing year: I outline my year with the same kind of rhythm as my week. Here’s what you’ll discover inside: Why January–March is your “Monday” and the ...

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#48: How to Outline Your Fiction Writing Year Like a Week

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