The online "Just Do The Writing" Accountability Circle helps writers face daily writing challenges beyond short term programs and standard social media sites.
Berkeley, California (PRWEB) January 11, 2012
With the popularity of short-term writing programs like November’s “NaNoWriMo” and April’s “Script Frenzy,” two month-long writing sessions that happen online, it’s clear that getting social support and camaraderie around writing is inspirational to many writers.
But while writing furiously for a month can be exciting and a lot can be accomplished, it may also be a recipe for exhaustion and writer’s burnout. Also, what happens afterward? Are the novels and scripts getting completed? Or are they put back on the shelf when regular life takes over again?
To meet long term writing goals, like completing a novel, building a library of spec scripts, or developing a body of other creative writing, experts like Julia Cameron recommend a practice of consistent, daily writing.
But for the average writer -- even if seasoned -- that may be easier said than done. Creative fears, self-doubt, creative blocks, second novel syndrome, lack of time, procrastination, isolation, major life transitions, and other creative challenges get in the way. Even successful writers will tell you there are days when scrubbing the toilets or polishing the floors suddenly becomes incredibly fascinating.
The “Just Do The Writing” Accountability Circle -- aka the Writer’s Circle -- is an online system run by creativity coach and writer Jenna Avery, who is determined to help writers make the commitment to daily writing, even in the midst of living regular, busy lives.
During recurring four week long sessions of the Writer’s Circle, members log on to a unique website where they publicly announce their writing goals to their small group of peers and coaches and report back about their progress by answering a series of questions at least 5 days of every 7.
Their peers and coach respond with support, guidance, and encouragement. Visual graphing allows them to see not only their own progress, but the progress of others, and the shared community around writing increases productivity and commitment levels dramatically. Issues like perfectionism, negative thinking, and anxiety are all addressed by the coaches.
Molly Yarrington, a repeat participant in the Writer’s Circle, wrote a poem every day for 30 days using the online system, even while working, taking care of a sick child, and coaching crew. She notes, “Along with developing a daily habit of writing, the Writer’s Circle has brought me an awareness of the real issues that have held me back, and believe me, they are not a lack of time, though I did believe that was the primary issue when I began.”
Participants are thrilled with the results they’re getting, like Fredrica Parlett, a self-described “hyperactive senior” who wrote 20,000 words of her novel during 3 four-week sessions of the Writer’s Circle. Parlett says, "I'm writing again -- that's the bottom line. I feel encouraged to continue even on days when I don't feel I have time or energy or desire."
Avery points out that although writers can connect online through social media sites like Facebook or Twitter, the Writer’s Circle has a common focus that allows writers to more deeply commit to their work without getting sidetracked by social networking.
The next session of the “Just Do The Writing” Accountability Circle starts January 23 and runs through February 19. For more information, visit http://JustDoTheWriting.com.
Jenna Avery is a writer, Certified Life Coach, and creativity coach. She helps highly creative artists, leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs grab hold of the bigger vision of what they were put here to do so they can bring their art, message, or movement out into the world in all its powerful, messy glory. Avery is also the founder of the “Just Do The Writing Accountability Circle” and loves to support writers to take daily, regular action on their writing projects. She is currently writing a sci-fi screenplay and publishing articles using the online system herself. Get a free e-course on “How to Stop Making Excuses and Start Writing” at http://jennaavery.com/free-writing-tips.
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Jenna Avery
Jennifer Avery Coaching
510-984-3474
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