One of the toughest challenges many authors face is staying motivated and focused on their writing goals. It’s easy to get distracted, lose track of deadlines, or even doubt your progress. But what if you had someone in your corner, helping you stay on track, celebrate small wins, and encourage you through the tough days? That’s where an accountability partner comes in. In today’s newsletter, we’ll dive into the process of finding an accountability partner, how to work together, and how this dynamic can push you toward achieving your writing goals.
What Is an Accountability Partner?
An accountability partner is someone you team up with to share and track your writing goals. This person helps keep you on track by offering encouragement, providing feedback, and holding you accountable to the deadlines you set for yourself. In short, they’re there to help you stay motivated, focused, and energized as you navigate the writing process. But it’s not just about checking in on your goals—it’s about mutual support. An accountability partnership works best when both people are helping each other, giving advice, and pushing one another forward.
Why Should You Have an Accountability Partner?
There are a lot of reasons why having an accountability partner can make a huge difference in your writing journey. Here are just a few:
• Motivation: Having someone to check in with and celebrate your milestones can help you stay motivated, especially on days when writing feels like a struggle.
• Discipline: Regular check-ins create a sense of commitment. Knowing you’re expected to report your progress makes it harder to procrastinate.
• Perspective: An accountability partner can offer fresh perspectives on your work, helping you to see things from a different angle and identify areas for improvement.
• Community: Writing can be a lonely pursuit, but with an accountability partner, you have someone to share the highs and lows with. You can both celebrate successes and push through challenges together.
How to Find the Right Accountability Partner
Choosing the right person to partner with is key to a productive and supportive relationship. Here’s what to look for:
1. Shared Goals or Similar Writing Style
While you don’t need to write in the same genre or have identical goals, it helps if your writing styles or goals align somewhat. If you’re working on a novel, a partner who is also focused on long-form writing might understand the challenges better than someone focused on short stories or poetry.
• Ask yourself: Are you both working toward similar writing milestones (finishing a first draft, editing a manuscript, completing a chapter)? This alignment will make for smoother, more focused conversations.
2. Reliability and Commitment
Your accountability partner should be someone who is equally committed to their writing goals. This partnership is based on mutual respect and consistency, so finding someone who is reliable and organized is crucial.
• Ask yourself: Is this person reliable in their commitments? Will they follow through on promises to check in, offer feedback, or celebrate wins together?
3. Honest and Constructive Feedback
A great accountability partner is not only supportive but also provides honest and constructive feedback. You want someone who will gently push you to improve while offering encouragement along the way.
• Ask yourself: Is this person capable of giving constructive criticism, while still being encouraging? Do they have a positive, solution-oriented approach?
4. Similar Availability and Work Ethic
If you’re both on very different writing schedules, it can be tough to stay in sync. Find someone who writes during similar hours, or at least is available for regular check-ins that work for both of you.
• Ask yourself: Does this person have a similar writing routine, or at least flexibility to adapt to yours? Are you both willing to be accountable on a regular basis?
How to Set Up Your Accountability Partnership
Once you’ve found the right partner, it’s time to structure your partnership. Here are some ways to make your partnership successful:
1. Set Clear Goals
Be specific about what you each want to achieve. Whether it’s writing a certain word count per week, finishing a chapter by a particular date, or editing a manuscript, the more specific your goals are, the easier it is to track progress.
• Example goals: Write 500 words a day, complete one chapter per week, finish revising the first draft by the end of the month.
2. Check-In Frequency
Decide how often you’ll check in with each other. Some authors prefer weekly check-ins, while others may benefit from daily or bi-weekly updates. The key is to be consistent and accountable to one another.
• Example check-ins: Daily emails or messages, weekly phone calls or video chats, or even a shared document where you track progress and offer feedback.
3. Celebrate Wins and Support Through Struggles
It’s important to not only focus on what still needs to be done but also celebrate what has been accomplished. Share your successes, whether big or small, and support each other when things don’t go according to plan.
• Example celebration: When your partner hits their writing goal for the week, celebrate by sharing a small treat, giving a shoutout on social media, or simply offering a heartfelt “well done!”
4. Give Feedback and Offer Constructive Criticism
Take turns reading and offering feedback on each other’s work. The goal is to help each other improve, so be prepared to give suggestions that are actionable and kind.
• Tip: Keep feedback focused on the work, not the writer. Critique the content and writing style rather than making it personal.
5. Hold Each Other Accountable
When one partner starts to slip, the other can gently remind them of their goals and the importance of staying focused. But accountability shouldn’t be punitive - it’s about being supportive and understanding while encouraging each other to get back on track.
• Example accountability: If you miss your writing goal for the week, your partner can ask you what’s going on and help you create a strategy to get back on track.
Remember, a successful accountability partnership is built on trust, mutual support, and respect for each other’s writing journey. It’s not just about reaching your goals, but also about enjoying the process together. With the right partner, you’ll not only achieve your writing goals but create a lasting bond that helps both of you grow as writers.
Happy writing!
Until next time,
Megan