Dream: Set Your Vision as a Writer
- Deborah Ann Martin
- Aug 14
- 5 min read
Before you write a single word, take a moment to ask yourself: Why am I writing this? Who am I writing for? What do I hope it becomes? Where do I see people reading it?
Every great writing journey begins with a dream. But a dream without direction gets lost in the noise of life. This post is about setting your vision as a writer—getting clear on what you want to write, why it matters, and how to begin moving forward with purpose.
Whether you’re journaling for healing, blogging to build a brand, dreaming of a book deal, becoming a bestseller, or speaking at conferences, this stage will shape everything that comes next. Maybe it's just to create a children's book so you and your child or grandchild can read it together. Take time to think and dream about what it can be. Don't think about the big process.
Don't say you can't do it. Dream it, and we can start walking you through the processes.
Only you can dream your dreams.
What Does It Mean to Set a Writing Vision?
Setting a writing vision means getting honest with yourself about your hopes, goals, and why this matters to you. It’s more than just saying, “I want to write a book someday.” It’s choosing a direction—defining what kind of writing will light you up and how it fits into your life.
A vision helps you:
Stay motivated when things get tough
Know what to say “yes” and “no” to
Recognize progress even when it’s slow
Create writing that aligns with your purpose
When you know where you’re headed, you don’t have to chase every idea—you can focus on what matters most.
Common Writing Visions
There’s no one-size-fits-all vision. Here are just a few you might connect with:
Legacy Writing: Share life lessons, values, and stories for future generations
Healing Writing: Journal your way through grief, trauma, or major life changes
Creative Expression: Tell fictional stories, or write poetry to release your imagination
Teaching & Impact: Use your writing to educate, inspire, or uplift others
Career or Business: Build a blog, write a book, or create content that supports your work
Language Practice: Improve your writing or practice a new language
Social Connection: Write to build community, start conversations, or share your beliefs
Which of these feels most true for you right now? You may find that your vision grows or shifts over time, and that’s okay.
Who do you see reading or being impacted by your dream or vision?
Your writing has the potential to reach far beyond the page, touching hearts and minds in ways you might not even imagine yet. As you set your vision, think about the people who need your words. Are you speaking to someone who's struggling with the same pain you’ve experienced? Or maybe you're offering hope to those on a similar journey of self-discovery? Are you teaching a child in a picture book? Could your words inspire future generations, teach valuable lessons, or spark a conversation that changes someone's perspective? Could your story help a mom relax at the end of the day with a book that makes her laugh? You might be a cooking Genius and want to share those recipes with the world.
The impact of your writing isn’t limited to just a few; it can resonate with the right people at the right time. Whether your audience is small and personal or you dream of reaching millions, your words have the power to connect, heal, teach, and inspire. The beauty of setting your vision is that it helps you understand who you want to reach and why your words matter. You’re not just writing to fill the page; you’re writing with intention, knowing that every word could impact someone’s life in a meaningful way.
So, ask yourself: who needs to hear your story? And how will they feel when they do?
Personal Note: My Vision Started with Healing
I started writing poetry as a kid. But I didn’t realize just how powerful it was until I was diagnosed with cancer in 2020. Writing became a way to cope, to pray, to process.
Then it became something more.
I realized that when I die, my story and all I’ve been through will die with me. But if I write it down? I can help someone else through their own storms. That’s why I built this website, blog, write books and do speaking engagments.
Your writing matters, too. Dream about that writing being read by the right people.
If You’re Not Sure What Your Vision Is Yet…
That’s okay. Here are a few simple questions to help you figure it out:
What kind of writing makes me feel most alive or at peace?
When I imagine someone reading my writing, who are they?
If I could only write one thing this year, what would it be?
What do I hope writing brings into my life?
How do I want others to feel after reading my words?
You don’t need all the answers today. Just begin reflecting. That’s the start of setting your vision.
6 Ways to Turn Your Vision into Action
Once you’ve begun to dream, here’s how to take the next step:
Write Down Your Vision Keep it somewhere you’ll see it often a notebook, phone, or even a post-it on your mirror.
Choose One Goal, not five. Just one. It might be “Start journaling every morning” or “Finish a draft by fall.”
Pick a Small Step. What’s one action you can take this week? (e.g., create a writing space, block time, brainstorm ideas)
Find a Support System: Join a writing group, follow this blog, or talk to a friend who believes in your dream.
Allow Room to Grow. Your vision isn’t a contract. It can evolve as you change, heal, or gain clarity.
Celebrate Progress. Every step counts. One sentence, one journal entry, one idea is still forward motion.
The Prompt Corner
The Prompt Corner is a place to think about why you write.
Writing your journey is just as important as building it. Here are five writing prompts to help you reflect:
Describe what you wish your writing life looked like.
Who are you writing for—and what do you hope they feel?
What dream do you have that you’re scared to say out loud?
If your future self wrote you a letter about your writing, what would it say?
Write about a time your words made someone feel something.
Try one or all—it’s your journey, and these prompts are your trail markers.
Free & Paid Tools to Support Your Writing
Looking for tools to help turn your writing into something more impactful? These resources can support your mission.
Check them out below and visit the Resources tab on our site for the full list. Try a new one each week to find what fits your writing goals.
Milanote – Visual board for creative brainstorming
MindMeister – Mind mapping tool to organize writing ideas
Focusmate – Virtual co-working to stay focused and show up
Writer's Digest – Resources and ideas for writers at all stages
Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to use them, it helps support our website at no extra cost to you. Want more tools? Check out the full list in the Resources tab of our site.
Want more tools? Check out the full list of writing resources on the resource page on our website.
Write with Us: Set Your Vision as a Writer Today
If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken the first step: you’re dreaming about what’s possible.
Next week, we move into Stage 2: Write – Tools, Courses & AI Help. We’ll talk about overcoming fear, finding tools that match your style, and getting those first (or next) words on the page.
Your words matter. Your vision matters. Let’s build it together.
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