According to dictionary.com accountability is the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable. We’re held accountable every day. Some of us our accountable to our jobs, others to our customers. We’re accountable to our bill companies, if you don’t pay your service gets shut off. If we’re caught speeding we’re accountable to the courts.
So, who are you accountable to when it comes to your writing? What is that you say? Nobody.
Yeah, yeah. I’ve heard some professionals out there say you don’t need to be accountable to anyone, but, really, how is that working for you? All right, so, you might be the type who can accomplish, let’s say 5,ooo words a day with no problem. Let’s say you’re the type to produce ten quality books in a year (yeah, I’m exaggerating a little). But what if you’re the type who has been working on the same book for the last five years.
Umm, OUCH! Have you tried accountability groups?
I have a few, okay, so I have more than a few, but some of us need more than one boot kicking us in the pants. I happen to be one of them.
–I belong to American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Faith, Hope & Love, Celtic Hearts and Hearts through History
–I belong to three critique groups. All three through ACFW
–I belong to Novel Track and Novel Edit (groups that help push writer’s toward their monthly goal) Again, through ACFW
–I belong to a new group called Forward March, which breaks our goals into weekly
–I also belong to a small community of writing friends. We all write different genres but have been friends since 2006.
Out of all these groups there are several people who try to hold me accountable to my goals. But, when it comes down to it, they can’t force me to do what I want to do when it comes to achieving my goals. They support me, they cheer me on, and pick me up when I have down times and that is what’s best about them
4 responses to “Accountability and Writing”
Amen. I too belong to writers’ groups with people that care enough to ask, “What are you working on?” They cannot make me write, but holding me feet to the fire at least once a month helps me to keep moving forward. Some days my writing is filled with oodles of words; while others, the page is nearly blank.
Keep moving forward Christina. I look forward to reading your work!
You too, Merrie. I wish we lived closer. I’m hankering for a retreat or another conference. Something. *g*
Christina, I’ve been thinking of joining the Forward March group. Are there lots of e-mails? Could you e-mail me privately about it? Thanks.
Sure, Ginger. I will say that I do enjoy it. I think I’ve gotten a lot done this week and I owe it to Patty and Jo