The Writer's Life: Community & Accountability

Ironically with everything going online during the pandemic, many of us are now blessed with more writing community than ever before. Thank you Zoom! Online classes, online writing groups, online writing conferences, online co-writing dates—all good stuff and much of which I suspect will be available to writers permanently.

And still, there’s nothing quite like being with other writers in the flesh. The monthly writing group I attend is now meeting in-person outside. Hooray!

What type of online writing community worked for you? What didn’t? What in-person writing community are you most looking to resuming?

Having skin in the game helps keep me accountable. If I pay money for something, I’m more likely to follow through. If it’s a “free masterclass,” I’m likely to blow it off if something better comes across my desk. Maybe this is just because I’m “frugal” or as some say, “cheap.” Maybe it’s just human nature—when we spend money on something, we tend to value it more. One thing I know for sure is when I pay for book coaching, I’m going to put my butt in the chair and get those pages done. I won’t blow off an opportunity I’ve paid for that will help me improve my book. What motivates you? What keeps you accountable?