The writing life requires a certain amount of self-starting. After all, unless we’re writing for class or a client, who cares whether we finish writing that poem, novel, script, or whatever?
Our friends and loved ones do. Because they care about us. And they know that our writing matters to us – even when we’re not brave enough to sit down at the page.
But they’re not going to stand over us and scream until we bang out the day’s writing quota. They’ll usually offer softer, gentler words of encouragement.
I need the obnoxious drill sergeant.
That’s why I really appreciate my friend Travis, a fellow writer.
Some time ago, Travis and I struck a deal. We each committed to writing a certain number of words per week (we determine our own quota, based on our current situation). If we failed to hold up our end of the bargain, we paid a penalty to the other person: $10 toward an Amazon gift card.
I’ve missed my quota more weeks than I’ve made it. Throughout this process, however, I’ve written more consistently than at any other time in my life. In fact, this past February was a rough month; I hit a wall halfway through. But when I tallied up my productivity for those four weeks, I’d still scribbled 20,000 words on my novel draft.
Much of the credit for that output goes to Travis. Knowing that someone else is out there, pulling for our writing success, can give us the external motivation we need to meet our goals.
Some days the writing goes well; other days it sucks wind. But I’m slowly, slowly making progress, thanks to the support of friends like Travis.
Do you have a writing buddy to keep you on track? Would you like one? Please share your experience, and let’s figure out how to help each other fulfill our creative destinies.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
The only time I’ve had a writing buddy, per se, was I’ve tried to co-write a story with someone. Never did finish anything. We both seemed to give up at the same time. The same thing would happen when a friend and I would try to keep each other accountable when trying to lose weight.
So, I’m sorry to say, my experience is that if I can’t be self-motivated, or at least have a deadline I have to meet, others aren’t gonna help me.
I see. Based on your experience, that seems understandable. But I think your data set is limited. You should try again with some more motivated friends.
Wow, that’s a pretty interesting way to keep oneself going. Who owes more money to whom at this juncture?
I don’t know that I could go quite that far with what I do, but I do have an accountability buddy, and we talk at least once a day to make sure each of us is working on our business in some fashion. Seems to be working out thus far, which is pretty cool.
Accountability is very important. I’m glad to hear you’ve got a reliable partner for your business. I’ve been doing the same with another business owner for about a year now, but we don’t put money on the line. It’s much easier for me to justify working on work. If the business doesn’t do well, the consequences are immediate. If the writing falls to the side, years can go by before I wonder, what the heck happened?
How long have you been working with your partner?