5 Benefits of Accountability Groups

Here at the Alley, we've ganged together to eat healthy and exercise in preparation for ACFW. This conference is the highlight of the year for many of us. This got me to thinking about why accountability groups are so helpful. No matter the kind of change you are making, knowing that someone is watching (and cheering you on) makes all the difference.

There are at least 5 benefits:

1) You know you aren't tackling a goal alone. Whether it's writing that novel you've always dreamed about or losing ten pounds, knowing you aren't the only one makes the goal seem much more reachable. And whenever you're tackling something challenging, knowing you aren't alone makes the task less daunting.

2) You can learn from those you've partnered with. Maybe they have a new kind of exercise they love. Or maybe they have a diet plan that really works for them. You can learn from their success -- and be challenged to keep going when it feels like you are getting anywhere.

3) Encouragement comes in a group. Sometimes I get lazy or forgetful. When I'm working with others, I know I have the accountability. Someone will ask how I'm doing. At the same time, I am often encouraged as I see others writing in the midst of crazy lives. Or I see them making diet changes that work. Or fill in the blank. Finding a place of encouragement is such an important part of sticking with a goal long enough to have success.

4) At the same tie I can be a source of encouragement to others. It helps take the focus off of me and helps me to make sure I am encouraging others in their journeys. I get such joy out of helping others that it encourages me to keep chasing my goals, too. So don't lose sight of the value of helping others reach their goals.

5) Deadlines help me reach points to celebrate. For this group we have the deadline of the ACFW Gala. It's a fun night to dress up and celebrate with other writers. I can circle the date on the calendar and know if I've made it or not. But don't forget to celebrate on the other side of the goal. Do something fun with the group. Whatever you do, make sure you take the time to celebrate the reaching of the goal together.

What would you add?

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Cara Putman

An award-winning author of twenty books, Cara is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana.

Invisible Deadlines and Staying the Course

 

“So how’s the writing coming along?” asks every person who knows you’re a writer.

(Better than "So when's your book gonna get published?" by a landslide, let me just say!) 

How many of you know the progress question can strike you different at different times? When we are on a roll with our current WIP the answer will more than likely gush from an endless well of enthusiasm. (Possibly to the dismay of the well-meaning friend who now knows more about your main character’s emotional journey than they had time for.) I don’t know many writers who don’t like talking about their stories. Kinda goes with the territory. We’re storytellers after all. There’s a story to be told even in writing a story. Confused yet?

On the other side of the coin there are dry seasons where talking about your inspiration, or lack thereof, sounds about as appealing as a case of the stomach flu. (Having just visited that toilet bowl let me assure you, not fun.) Maybe you lost some writing time, or perhaps you’re battling a bout of the dreaded malady that shall not be named (writer’s bl***) Eek!

Many of our ships haven’t come in and we are still on the journey to publication. So how do we stay motivated when life inevitably steals our free time? I mean, it’s great if you can treat writing like a job instead of a hobby, but until you’re earning a paycheck you’re not technically accountable to anyone but yourself (and perhaps those imaginary friends anxiously pestering you for their HEA.) We may set our own deadlines but, let's face it, we made those up. We fall behind, no biggie. We're not in breach of contract. No panicked all-nighters to catch up. We re-adjust and try again. It’s good to have a goal, keeps you focused but when the road is long, you’re getting weary of rejections and hearing all the good news of your writing friends leaving you in the dust. How, then, when times get hard, do you find the strength to stay the course?

I’m here. Pounding the pavement with you. The heroine in my own story, hear me roar! ;) And I’ve got some sustenance for your journey.

-Write because you love it! Not because you want to get rich and quit your day job. It doesn’t mean the road will be easy, but it sure seems easier when you’re enjoying the journey.

-Stop comparing yourself to other writers. It’s a trap! Your story, your voice, your journey, they are all unique. Strive for greatness but let your story unfold naturally. You'll be surprised by how much you learn and grow in those unexpected detours.

-Stay positive. It’s easy to get discouraged in this business. Critiques, rejections, and criticisms aren’t usually all that palatable. Treat it as a learning experience, and don’t let positive feedback get trampled under the negatives. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Respect theirs but keep your chin up and keep believing in yours.

-Get an accountability partner. And check in. Ever make excuses to yourself? You were busy. The kids were sick. The house wasn’t going to clean itself. It’s easier to stay on track when someone else will know if you’re slacking off. Get yourself a goal and let someone know you're chipping away at it.

-Build a team. Support other writers. Be a critique partner. Endorse your friends’ books. Encourage and be encouraged. Sometimes it hard to see others succeed when you’re still floundering, but when your time comes, and especially until then, you’ll want those people by your side. Iron sharpens iron.

-Don’t give up! I’ve heard it said that successful authors are just writers who refused to give up. Don’t let anyone steal your passion and your dream. Keep writing until you reach goals and then write some more.

 

Happy Friday! Have a blessed weekend!

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Amy Leigh Simpson is a writer, singer, runner, foodie, coffee-lovin’-chocoholic. When she’s not dreaming up saucy love stories sprinkled with suspense and mystery, she’s chasing around her two adorable tow-headed toddler miscreants (Ahem)—boys, playing dress up with her miracle princess baby, and being the very blessed wife to the coolest, most hunky hero on the planet (sorry, ladies—taken). Though Amy doesn’t use her Sports Medicine degree for anything but patching up daily boo boo’s, she enjoys weaving medical aspects into her writing. Represented by the oh-so-wise and dashing Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary Inc.

 

Finding Your A-Team

One thing the Lord has showed me along this journey is that there isn't one way, one journey. Each of our journeys is so distinctive and unique.

Ultimately what we need is found in being a part of community. That's why My Book Therapy, ACFW, Christian Writer's Guild, etc are great.

I've been thinking about this and here are some of the people that have helped me along the way aside from critique groups and partners, who have helped me considerably. But I know I've already covered that here.

1) A supportive spouse or local friend. 

This person doesn't have to write. They just need to allow you to reach for your dream. If it weren't for my husband I can guarantee, my book would still be sitting on my computer's hard drive as the months turned into years.

Now in the case of my husband he has also become the local writer friend. He is now working on his own novel and attending writer's support groups with me. Super exciting!

And don't forget dear Mom. Parents are some of the best support systems ever. When you've had a bad writing day you can send your writing on to Mom who will convince you that you're still writing the next "great American novel." You'll roll your eyes, but you're secretly grateful.

2) Local accountability.

Again this person doesn't have to be a writer, just someone that will bother you with phone calls reminding you to stop reading your email and finish writing your thousand words for the day. My husband is that person again for me. It helps that he's in the same house because he can help me make it happen by watching the kids for an hour.

I would also consider my face-to-face writing group accountability. I know I have to produce something new for each meeting so that keeps my momentum up.

3) Prayer buddies.

I am so blessed to have an older mom from church who prays for my writing. Her son also loves to write, so she understands the journey. Prayer support from your local church can be such a blessing. And I have other friends who willingly pray for my writing prayer requests.

I'm also blessed to have a wonderful online network of prayer support. You guessed it...my fellow Alleycats. We pray for each other's writing and personal lives. I'm so blessed to have such support in my life.

4) A writing buddy.

During the school year, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday you can usually find me sitting with a cup of tea and checking in with Alleycat Casey at six in the evening (late afternoon for her). The encouragement and support have helped me finish my novel and helped me start a more faithful routine. It is great for accountability. And if you type in #1k/1hr on twitter, you can often find an instant accountability buddy.

5)  The older, wiser advisor.

ACFW is a wonderful community for making these type of connections. I have met several. Some I have only connected with briefly, others I have been in regular contact with.

I can't tell you the number of times another author from ACFW has reached out and offered support, advice, and encouragement. As I write this, I can think of several Spirit-filled advisors whose words have changed my life.

6) The larger community.

ACFW, My Book Therapy, Christian Writers Guild are all Christian organizations that offer support and scores of encouragement to writers. The forums, course loops and noveltrack features of ACFW have offered answers to scores of questions I didn't even think to ask (but did want to know). My Book Therapy provides free Monday chats that not only teach valuable skills, but also help the writer connect to a larger community of writers.

What about you? Did you have someone unexpected that helped you along in your writing journey?

 



 
  Julia enjoys writing women's fiction whenever she can find a chair free of smushed peanut butter sandwiches and lego blocks. She is a wife and homeschooling mama of two littles. She also currently reviews for The Title Trakk and Christian Library Journal.