One reason that some writers struggle to write and launch a book is because they’re the only ones who know about their goal. So, they don’t have anyone or anything pushing them to succeed. This makes it easy to spend hours playing video games or waste time scrolling social media and other distractions.
Maybe, you can relate. You tell yourself that you meant to work on your book but you just got distracted by so many other things. If that describes you, then what you really need is more likely some form of accountability. After all, it’s easy to let yourself off the hook when you’re the only who knows about your goal. But when other people know, it creates a type of pressure that forces you to work. That’s because you don’t want to disappoint those around you.
Here’s how to use accountability to keep pushing yourself forward.
Tell a friend how many words you’ll write today.
Send then an email or text message that you’ll be writing xx number of words today. Ask them to follow up with you at a certain time. For example, you might write, “I’m working on chapter five of my book today. I need to write 1,000 words to finish up. Can you text at 8 o’clock tonight and ask me what my word count is?”
Then get to work as soon as you send the message. Even if your friend forgets about the text you still won’t want to disappoint her so you’ll work hard to reach your goal.
Use a habit tracker
A habit tracker can be either physical or electronic way to track your writing progress. Try a daily, weekly or monthly to keep you on track and ensure that you see progress with your writing goals.
Co-work with another writer
If you know another writer that’s also working hard to write a book, arrange a get-together. You can meet at a local coffee shop or library and work on your projects together.
If you friend is online, you could do a video session. Stay on the call as you work together. This gives you instant accountability and keeps you productive, even if you don’t feel like writing.
Make a Public Commitment
Another way to become accountable is to announce your plan to write and publish your book publicly. Share about it on your blog and promote the post like crazy so everyone sees it. Make a big announcement on your next podcast episode and give yourself a deadline.
Boost your motivation to get your work done by going public with it. you don’t want to tell all of your subscribers and listeners that you spent your time goofing off and that’s why your book launch is being delayed.
Hire a Writing Coach
If you’ve tried everything else and nothing seems to be working, it might be time to hire a writing coach. A writing coach will listen to your ideas, give you feedback, and help you brainstorm when you’re stuck.
But one thing a writing coach won’t do is put up with your excuses. He or she will call you on them. You’ll be challenged to keep working on your book, regardless of what’ going on around you and encouraged to keep at it until you’re done.
Rebecca is thorough and detail oriented – both critical when preparing a manuscript for publication. She makes useful commentary worthy of consideration and provides a beautiful and consistent document to be published including coordination with the graphic artist to finalize the cover logistics!
Nancy Weston, author of Ice in the Guise of Fire
About Rebecca
I’m Rebecca Camarena, book coach and best-selling author and I would love to connect with your further. If you’re a first time or second time author interested in learning how to write and/or publish the book of your dreams then consider signing up for my newsletter, check out my services page or leave me a message on my contact me.
Hire Me Today as your Writing Coach
My coaching services and signature program will guide an aspiring author through the writing process. I will provide structure through accountability, actionable and achievable goals to transform your words into a finished manuscript. I’m like your personal trainer for your writing journey!
