7 ways to create accountability for your writing

A writer writes: I think I need some accountability. If I could get one chapter written, I would probably feel less like an imposter. How do I find a writing group or accountability partners?

I think accountability is key for a couple of reasons. If someone knows we’re doing a thing, we don’t feel so isolated and alone. If they’re waiting for something from us, we’re more likely to do it. Being responsible to your goals with another person is a great motivator.

There are all different kinds of accountability available to us. Which would be the most motivating for you?

• Do you want feedback or critiques on your writing? Are you willing to do the same for others?

• Do you want to be in a group or a partnership?

• Do you want to be with people working on similar things?

• Do you want to have co-writing time or work on your own?

• Do you want to be held to deadlines?

Once you have a sense of what personally would be most helpful to you, you can start the search for the right partner/s. Options (both virtual or in person, whichever you prefer) to consider:

• Classes: Signing up for a class automatically gives you community in a time-bound container. Some classes are geared towards generating new material, some are specific to revision, some are focused on a topic. I have made good connections in classes and have maintained contact with some folks once the classes ended. There are so many options for classes (led by individuals or through organizations) that it’s probably more useful for you to Google than it is for me to make recommendations here. 

• Meet-ups: If classes aren’t your thing, check out your local library. Many offer reading or writing groups. When I did NaNoWriMo, I joined the local chapter which had both online group support and meetups at my local library. I made a writer friend in my town at my library and we’re still in contact.

• Co-writing spaces: there’s the option to join free public writing sessions or write-ins that can be super motivating and convenient. Here are just a couple that I’ve tried:

  • https://community.londonwriterssalon.com/c/writers-hour-links/ - multiple free hour-long writing sessions every day of the week

  • See https://linktr.ee/guerillamemoir for links to free co-writing sessions, Monday through Friday, every week

• Body doubling apps: Rather co-work with a complete stranger? Try these:

  • https://thinkdivergent.com/apps/body-doubling

  • https://flown.com/flocks-for-body-doubling 

• Critique partner matching service (free!): Julie Artz, writer and book coach, matches writers because the friendship/support a critique partner can provide is invaluable on what can be a long and lonely journey toward publication. Sign up today at pages.julieartz.com/cp-meet-cute and let her help you find critique partners (begins June 1)! 

• If none of these options work for you, start your own group! Announce your goal to your network and ask for like-minded folks to join you. It might be just the thing you need.

• A book coach by definition provides accountability, support, feedback, and mentoring. That’s what I do! You know where to find me.

And finally, a reminder that putting output-based pressure on ourselves can create more resistance than motivation. Remember to measure progress by actions, not outcomes. In addition to working towards a chapter, try writing the answer to “why is writing this book important to me?” to reveal your inner motivations and to keep you making progress.