The Insecure Writer’s Support Group ~ No#13
Welcome to the New Year edition of IWSG, a place where writers are given a platform to discuss/share all types of writerly concerns via an assortment of rants and raves. For more information, swing by the blog of our ninja captain and IWSG founder Alex J Cavanaugh.
It seems like the topic of the moment is GOALS! Well, it IS that time of the year, after all, where we get to usher the New Year in on a high… accompanied by a rush of new year resolutions. Now, I'm not one to get into a sentimental or emotional tizz, and formulate all these well founded and wonderful resolutions which, for lots of folk, often fizzle out by February into March.
However… I need some writerly direction and that means setting some goals! For me, the goals have to be:
1. Realistic.
2. Manageable.
3. Achievable.
…and then to wrap it up, accountability is the final aspect, which means joining a group. It's so much better when you are part of a group because the peer support is a key factor, especially when you're experiencing those down-and-out moments. I'd prefer to sign up with a group that checks in fortnightly/monthly and has some sort of buddy system. I know there are groups such as ROW#80 which I want to check out properly, before I make a decision.
Am I missing any other groups? Does anybody know of any similar writer groups?
There certainly have been a lot ofposts about goals today! Good luck with yours!
Thanks Kyra!
Sorry, can't think of any other groups.
That's okay L.Diane. I have a good idea of what will work for me…
That's the only group I can think of too. I need more accountability I think. Happy New Year, Michelle. 🙂
I think there are more groups on Facebook! I'll track them down. Thanks Mina. 🙂
Just this one. 🙂
Thanks Tonja. It's very popular… 🙂
I love this time of year! There's so much promise and hope, it's a fresh start, and we all have so many goals that feel achievable!
Yes, a new year ALWAYS holds the promise of new beginnings…
A lot of writers participate in ROW#80 and it seems to keep them accountable.
I've noticed that. It's definitely a very popular group.
I didn't have goals last year, so I'm joining in this year. Hope we all succeed. Happy New Year.
You didn't have goals? I was under the impression that every published writer has goals of some sort… that's the reason they are published…?
I have a daily accountability group on facebook. We donate a dollar a day to an online charity for every day we don't write (paid quarterly). The group is small, private and by invitation only, but if you're interested, shoot me a message.
A dollar a day? Considering the exchange rate, that would definitely bankrupt me Crystal… LOL Thanks for the invite!
I agree about seting goals. I am just taking it all in my stride for now. All the best for the rest of 2013.
Good idea, Murees! All the best for 2013 to you too! Now that you've secured an agent, that's one thing less to worry about!
Accountability for goals is a biggie! I've loved participating in this group and going to give ROW#80 a try. Don't know of any others.
Best wishes for this new year!
Thanks Lexie! I'm opting for a smaller group where there's more of a buddy system… have an awesome writerly year!
Those are perfect categories for goals. Have a wonderful new year.
Thanks C.Lee. I hope you have an awesome writerly year!
I don't know of any writing groups unfortunately. Good luck finding a good one!
I'll track them down. Thanks Kimberley.
It's definitely a good time of the year to create some goals. I absolutely love yours! I definitely had those three things in mind when I created my own goals. 🙂
I'm a realist, so the goals have to be solid and attainable… no airy-fairy ones for me. 🙂 Good luck with your goals Cherie! 🙂
I have some local groups. Goals is definitely the topic today. 🙂 Seems appropriate, though. Happy New Year, Michelle!
Happy New Year Mary! Goals is on everyones's lips… a hot topic today! Very appropriate. 🙂
Hmm. I can't think of any other writing groups–I've been considering joining ROW80 myself, though. It sounds like something that could be a good motivator.
A writing group is definitely the way to go… it forces accountability. 🙂
Twice a month I go to a live writer's group. ***shrugs*** Anyway, I'll be putting Secondhand SHoes out in the mail to you this week.
Happy New Year!
Hugs and chocolate!
Shelly
Live writer's group?? You lucky duck!! The book is on its way?? YAY!! *does the happy dance* I can't wait Shelly! Thank you. This is soooooo exciting!
It seems like some writer's groups stay, and some come and go, so I can't think of any others at the moment, but there should be more. Hmm.
Great post!
I'll continue asking around… I'm sure I'll find something that suits me… thanks Tyrean! 🙂
Buddy pairings are great. Sometimes just having a word or two with a writing buddy is all the prompting and encouraging we need. Groups are great, but buddies are better. 🙂 I hope you find what works best for you!
Buddy pairings or something of that nature is exactly what I have in mind. 🙂 You're so right in saying that sometimes, just a word or two of encouragement does the trick! Thanks Jeff!
I love that you put Realistic. I think too many people don't set realistic goals and then they get disappointed. Spot on!
I think that when you are realistic, then you're more likely to attain the goals, which leads to further motivation… and so on and so forth… it's as simple as that.
The flip side of the coin? I'd also be the first to say – shoot for the stars! There's nothing wrong with aiming big!! It depends on the individual… 🙂
This is a great time to set new goals. Hope you find everything that you're looking for.
Thanks Julie! I think everything we're looking for is out there, waiting for us! We just need to seize it! Plenty of carpe diem moments… 🙂 But are we ready?
Hey Michelle! Happy New Year!
We have a facebook group of writers where we hold each other accountable for personal writing deadlines. It's very supportive and encouraging. Let me know if you want to join.
Your goals are realistic and smart. I think the key is to take baby steps so we feel like we're accomplishing things instead of getting frustrated with unattainable goals.
Hey sistah! Sounds great! Just what I need! 🙂 Thanks for the invite!
I'm actually the opposite, so I can't suggest any groups because I don't know any. As soon as I become accountable, I rebel and don't work, just like being back at school… One day, I really must make the effort to grow up 🙂
Hey, don't be so hard on yourself! If the non-group thinggie works for you, then I say that's okay… 🙂 It IS working for you?
This is exactly what I need to focus on when writing my goals. And accountability is a biggie for me. I can't seem to think of another writing group, but I do know several people who participate in ROW80 and that seems to help them stay on track. (:
Me again, I just finished reading Melissa Maygrove's post that I thought you may enjoy. I don't know if you already know Milissa, but she's a great blogging buddy and has listed several writing resources similar to ROW 80. (;
http://melissamaygrove.blogspot.fr/
I checked out her post! It's awesome! Thanks Elise. 🙂
Thanks for visiting my blog. Good luck meeting your goals in 2013. 🙂
IWSG #137 until Alex culls the list again.
Thanks Melissa! I really loved your post about the many resources that are available. 🙂
Accountability FOR SURE! Why waste your time setting goals, if they don't mean enough to get an honest effort out of you! DO IT! DO IT!
Great post!!!
Thanks for the encouragement Leigh! It means a lot to me! 🙂
Clear, obtainable goals are always the best.
Thank you Ciara! It's as simple as that!
i dont. we had nanorevmo during nanowrimo, and there are several other writing support groups on facebook, but i dont know any blog ones
good luck and keep writing! love your 5 sentence prompt responses!
Thank you Tara! I've actually been invited to join two different Facebook writing support groups, so I'll be taking one of them up on the offer! 🙂
I really enjoy the 5-sentence-fiction. Thanks for the continued support! You have been a very good friend to me!
I've enjoyed the IWSG posts for this new year. I have my goals in mind.
I believe in joining at least one group. I'm more productive when I'm in one.
I know that you are with ROW#80 and you are soooo good when it comes to accountability – a real champion!
Nope, can't think of anything. Except one called (I think) Write 1 Sub 1.
I usually keep track of my progress without a group, since it doesn't allow me to compare to others. 😛
Misha, you are so good when it comes to self-motivation. Thanks Misha. 🙂