January 2026 Newsletter

Happy New Year!!!! 🥳🥳🥳

How has 2026 been treating you so far? The first two days have been great for me! On New Year’s Day, my dad’s side of the family came over—we ate way too much food, played games, and even went ice skating on the pond in our backyard. On January 2nd, I volunteered at the local food shelf, and later that day, my aunt and cousin from my mom’s side came to stay the night. Overall, 2026 is a solid 10/10 so far.

For some of you, this newsletter’s topic might feel overwhelming—or maybe just plain boring. For others (like me), it’s absolutely thrilling. If you guessed that I’d be sharing my goals for 2026, you’re right! Hopefully, you’ll find at least some of it interesting.

(Be sure to scroll to the end for an exciting announcement!)

Writing Goals 2026

When I look ahead to a new year, I try my best not to be overambitious—because there’s nothing worse than falling far short of your goals. I’m not sure I succeeded in finding the right balance this time, but then again, you have to shoot for the stars… right?

General Writing Goals:

• Finish two drafts of The Phoenix Pendant

• Finish one draft of Project: Sci-Fi

• Start outlining the second book of The Phoenix Pendant

• Finish the first draft of a new novel

• Finish the first draft of Project: Europe

• Submit a short story for publication

Platform Goals:

• Interview at least three people for The Introverted Writer Newsletter

• Reach 200 followers on The Introverted Writer Instagram

• Reach 200-250 subscribers on The Introverted Writer Newsletter

Other Goals:

• Attend the 2026 Young Writers’ Retreat

• Read at least three writing craft books

• Find a podcast or YouTube channel to listen to/watch one episode a week

• Complete at least three courses on The Young Writers’ Workshop

If you’re a writer, what are some of your goals for the year?

Reading Goals 2026

Last year, I felt like I was in a bit of a writing slump. I set my goal at 60 books (which is a lot less than I read in past years), so I could be an overachiever. Instead, I only made it to 46. This last month, I’ve realized just how much I miss reading.

This year, I want to change that. I’m not going to set my goal much higher than what I read last year, but I want to make reading a bigger part of my life again.

My reading goals for 2026:

• Read at least 50 books in total

• Read at least 5 books outside my usual genres (romance, fantasy, contemporary)

• Read at least 1 nonfiction book

• Read at least 3 writing craft books

If you have any, what are your reading goals for 2026?

Life Goals

I don’t have a ton of goals this year—just a general resolution to be more mindful and mentally present. (Dad would definitely critique this list for not being “SMART” goals.)

• Spend less time on screens

• Read more

• Get more comfortable with driving

• Survive another two semesters of PSEO classes

• Get to know more people from youth group

• Fly to North Carolina by myself for the Young Writers’ Retreat

• Turn 18 (not really a choice)

• Go to the youth group winter retreat

• Take senior pictures

• Go to prom

What are some of your goals or resolutions for 2026?

Spotlight: Instagram

The Introverted Writer has expanded to Instagram!

I’ve been thinking about creating an Instagram account for my writing for a long time, and a couple of days ago, I finally did it! I don’t have much posted just yet, but I plan to share content from my newsletter along with new posts that won’t appear in the usual newsletter.

I’d love it if you’d give me a follow—and I’d be even happier to chat with you in the comments!

Quick Writing Update

• The Phoenix Pendant: wrote 31,000 words and finished draft #3

• Project: Sci-Fi: wrote 10,000 words and finished draft #1

What are your goals for 2026? Do you think mine are overambitious? (They probably are 😅) Let me know by replying directly to this email or by leaving a comment on the website for The Introverted Writer!

Thank you so much for reading! Have a great rest of your day!

Abby Henderson

P.S. Have a great rest of your month!