I've been reflecting on three particular things I’ve discovered as essential keys to developing and thriving as a writer. I’m calling it Scapegoat’s ABCs for Writers as I consider these great building blocks for new and seasoned writers alike.

Presenting the “A” in Scapegoat’s ABCs for Writers:

A – Accountability

I need it and I believe, whether they want to admit it or not, most other writers need accountability too. I’m breaking it down to two types of accountability, personal and writing partners/groups. I firmly believe both types are essential to getting your writing groove on and doing your best work.

Personal Accountability:

When I talk about personal accountability I’m sure everyone wants to cover their ears and go “la la la” but be honest with yourself. Admit that whenever you've held yourself accountable to a certain goal, word count, or even BICHOK you’ve achieved more, felt better about yourself, and I guarantee your writing gained momentum.

Part of personal accountability is setting those small, daily goals for you. These aren’t even your BIG GOALS. Accountability is about the small things you do day in and day out for your writing. For organization lovers like me, creating a tracking spreadsheet could be just the ticket, but for others it could be as simple as reminding yourself of what you did while you brush your teeth at night. On social media? What about just tweeting or posting your progress everyday. It’s not about anyone answering back; it’s about owning your progress or roadblocks.

The BIG question: If you aren't honestly answering to yourself about your writing, then how do you expect to move forward or grow as a writer?

Personal accountability isn’t about berating yourself, it’s about learning how to work better, faster, easier and create a book you’ll be proud of.

Group/Partner Accountability:

Partner or group accountability isn’t about Who’s Got The Biggest/Best Manuscript or Who Writes The Most. If you have that kind of group or partner run for the hills!

For some, it’s about connecting with other writers and sharing in the journey together. The focus might be general in nature and focus on how your writing is progressing or questions you have. Basically, it’s your support group that keeps you wanting to have something to contribute and feeling as if you are tied to helping each other succeed.

For others, this can take the form of checking in with weekly word or page counts. Maybe it’s #1k1hr on twitter with whoever joins in or a monthly challenge such as the one Marnee and I recently participated in.

These shorter challenges make you accountable to a group or partner in a way that you might not always get. Something about “revealing your number” can be extremely motivating and allows those who don’t normally feel comfortable tracking their daily/weekly counts to be a little more accountable.

For most writers, I think the most successful strategy is to use a combination of the two. It’s where I’ve thrived as a writer. Since becoming more accountable to both myself, my writing partners, and even to strangers in a writing challenge, my writing has exploded.

Don’t believe me? I made March the first month I was truly accountable to myself and my writing partners and you know what happened? In March I wrote 10 times what I did in January and February combined. Accountability is a key to success.

So when are you going to get serious about accountability? Does the word make your skin crawl or have you discovered this writing super power for yourself? Have tips or tricks for tracking your progress or creative ideas for helping non-organizers stay accountable? What about finding your group or partner, any good advice?