Welcome to the Writer’s Accountability Group!
I’m looking forward to spending 3 months with you with a mutual goal of writing books. During our time together, you’ll set your writing goals, explore obstacles to your success, and assess how you are progressing each month.
You’ll find out a lot more in the Facebook Group. Please respond to your Facebook invitation or request to join at https://www.facebook.com/groups/572118690406145. To get the most out of the group, post your writing schedule on Sunday (or Monday) and again after each writing session. Please cheer each other during other times of the week. Facebook isn’t great at showing notifications to all group members. You’ll need to be proactive and make checking in a priority.
Focusmate
Focusmate is a platform designed for accountability. It is free to use up to 3 times per week for 50-minute sessions. You will be paired with another person on an interface similar to Zoom. You’ll say hello, and what you’re working on, and they will share the same. Most interactions take about 30 seconds. (I move my Word file in front of (most) of the screen during the 50 minutes.) You will mute yourself while working. At the end of the 50 minutes, you’ll hear a chime. At that time, you’ll ask each other how you did for another 30 seconds and be on your way. You will also be able to invite someone in the group to join you during your session.
I’ve found this to be a tremendous resource. If you aren’t comfortable with it, you can choose not to use it. But I suggest you try it first. Sign up for your free account here.
You’ll receive 2 or three quick emails from me each week. I promise they’ll be quick so you can spend more time writing and less time checking email. If at any time you have questions or concerns, please email me at lois@happyselfpublisher.com.
How it works:
- On Sunday (or Monday), schedule three 50-minute writing slots for the week via Focusmate.
- Post your writing schedule in the Facebook group as soon as you schedule it.
- Show up during your scheduled writing times and do your best.
- Celebrate your progress with the group and cheer others on!
What you get with your 3-month membership:
- Monthly group accountability calls to share your successes and struggles
- Monthly open mic nights to share your writing (if you like) and listen and learn from other writers
- Weekly writing tips for propelling your writing
- A Writing Goals and WordTracker Worksheet to set the course and stay on track
- #MondayMotivation emails to keep you inspired
- A community of writers to encourage and support you every step of the way
Grab your monthly worksheet here:
Writing Goals and WordTracker Worksheet
You also have access to:
Professional editing and critiques from our team of ambassadors (for an additional fee) for that extra spark of confidence.
You’re not obligated to:
- Share your writing
- Share your writing goals
- Read at open mics
- Purchase editing or critiques
But you are welcome to do all of those!
Participation Bonus:
Participate in writing an average of 3 times a week and post at least twice a week in the Facebook group over the course of 3 months and receive a $30 participation bonus, a $45 credit for the next session, or a free 30-minute one-on-one accountability call at the end of the session. You choose! I want you to succeed!
EXTRAS
Accountability calls
If you would like to schedule one-on-one sessions with me to strategize how to get or keep your writing on track, I offer 2-30 minute sessions for $100/mo.
Critiques and editing
Our ambassadors are experienced wordsmiths and all-around awesome people. They edit and critique books, stories, blogs, etc. If you are interested in critiques or edits other than during our announced times, please contact me to sign up for your session.
EXPECTATIONS
Be kind to fellow members. We’re all doing our best.
Consider the communication among group members is private. Please don’t share anything written or discussed with another member unless you are given permission to do so.
To honor our members’ autonomy, don’t offer unsolicited advice to a specific member. We will have a place for member questions when it is appropriate to share your thoughts or experience.
Please don’t promote your books, business, or products.
Do your best to keep things light. We’ll have Dog Day Fridays when you can air some obstacles and excuses, but we want everyone to have a positive experience in the Group.
If you are having a problem with another member, the ambassadors, Focusmate, or anything related to the Group, please email me (LOIS) at lois@happyselfpublisher.com and bring it to my attention privately. I will do my best to handle the situation with discretion.
