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?

59 Comments

  1. Kyra Lennon on January 2, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    There certainly have been a lot ofposts about goals today! Good luck with yours!

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 11:58 am

      Thanks Kyra!

  2. L. Diane Wolfe on January 2, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    Sorry, can't think of any other groups.

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 11:59 am

      That's okay L.Diane. I have a good idea of what will work for me…

  3. Mina B. on January 2, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    That's the only group I can think of too.  I need more accountability I think.  Happy New Year, Michelle. 🙂

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 12:00 pm

      I think there are more groups on Facebook! I'll track them down. Thanks Mina. 🙂

  4. Tonja on January 2, 2013 at 3:48 pm

    Just this one. 🙂

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 12:00 pm

      Thanks Tonja. It's very popular… 🙂

  5. Sangu on January 2, 2013 at 4:57 pm

    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!

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 12:01 pm

      Yes, a new year ALWAYS holds the promise of new beginnings…

  6. Alex J. Cavanaugh on January 2, 2013 at 5:00 pm

    A lot of writers participate in ROW#80 and it seems to keep them accountable.

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 12:02 pm

      I've noticed that. It's definitely a very popular group.

  7. joylene on January 2, 2013 at 5:40 pm

    I didn't have goals last year, so I'm joining in this year. Hope we all succeed. Happy New Year.

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 12:04 pm

      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…?

  8. Crystal Collier on January 2, 2013 at 5:58 pm

    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.

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 12:05 pm

      A dollar a day? Considering the exchange rate, that would definitely bankrupt me Crystal… LOL Thanks for the invite!

  9. murees on January 2, 2013 at 6:21 pm

    I agree about seting goals. I am just taking it all in my stride for now. All the best for the rest of 2013.

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 1:15 pm

      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!

  10. Lexie C on January 2, 2013 at 6:43 pm

    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!

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 1:16 pm

      Thanks Lexie! I'm opting for a smaller group where there's more of a buddy system… have an awesome writerly year!

  11. C. Lee McKenzie on January 2, 2013 at 7:07 pm

    Those are perfect categories for goals. Have a wonderful new year.

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 1:17 pm

      Thanks C.Lee. I hope you have an awesome writerly year!

  12. Kimberly Gabriel on January 2, 2013 at 7:21 pm

    I don't know of any writing groups unfortunately. Good luck finding a good one!

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 1:22 pm

      I'll track them down. Thanks Kimberley.

  13. Cherie Reich on January 2, 2013 at 9:24 pm

    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. 🙂

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 1:23 pm

      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! 🙂

  14. Mary on January 2, 2013 at 11:52 pm

    I have some local groups. Goals is definitely the topic today. 🙂 Seems appropriate, though. Happy New Year, Michelle!

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 1:30 pm

      Happy New Year Mary! Goals is on everyones's lips… a hot topic today! Very appropriate. 🙂

  15. The Golden Eagle on January 3, 2013 at 12:01 am

    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.

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 1:31 pm

      A writing group is definitely the way to go… it forces accountability. 🙂

  16. Shelly on January 3, 2013 at 12:09 am

    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
     
     

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 1:33 pm

      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!

  17. Tyrean on January 3, 2013 at 2:33 am

    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!

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 1:47 pm

      I'll continue asking around… I'm sure I'll find something that suits me… thanks Tyrean! 🙂

  18. Jeff Hargett on January 3, 2013 at 4:46 am

    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!

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 1:49 pm

      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!

  19. Morgan Shamy on January 3, 2013 at 6:02 am

    I love that you put Realistic. I think too many people don't set realistic goals and then they get disappointed. Spot on! 

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 1:53 pm

      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… 🙂

  20. Julie on January 3, 2013 at 6:17 am

    This is a great time to set new goals. Hope you find everything that you're looking for.

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 1:55 pm

      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?

  21. PK Hrezo on January 3, 2013 at 10:35 am

    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.

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 1:56 pm

      Hey sistah! Sounds great! Just what I need! 🙂 Thanks for the invite!

  22. Annalisa Crawford on January 3, 2013 at 11:23 am

    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 🙂

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 1:59 pm

      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?

  23. Elise Fallson on January 3, 2013 at 2:27 pm

    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. (: 

    • Elise Fallson on January 3, 2013 at 3:05 pm

      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/

      • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 2:04 pm

        I checked out her post! It's awesome! Thanks Elise. 🙂

  24. Melissa Maygrove on January 3, 2013 at 4:40 pm

    Thanks for visiting my blog. Good luck meeting your goals in 2013. 🙂
    IWSG #137 until Alex culls the list again.

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 2:04 pm

      Thanks Melissa! I really loved your post about the many resources that are available. 🙂

  25. Leigh Covington on January 3, 2013 at 9:36 pm

    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!!!

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 2:05 pm

      Thanks for the encouragement Leigh! It means a lot to me! 🙂

  26. Ciara Knight on January 4, 2013 at 2:11 am

    Clear, obtainable goals are always the best.

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 2:06 pm

      Thank you Ciara! It's as simple as that!

  27. tara tyler on January 4, 2013 at 3:33 am

    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!

    • michelle on January 4, 2013 at 2:09 pm

      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!

  28. Medeia Sharif on January 6, 2013 at 7:30 am

    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. 

    • michelle on January 8, 2013 at 3:05 pm

      I know that you are with ROW#80 and you are soooo good when it comes to accountability – a real champion!

  29. Misha on January 8, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    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. 😛

    • michelle on January 8, 2013 at 3:07 pm

      Misha, you are so good when it comes to self-motivation. Thanks Misha. 🙂

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