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Back to Basics: Accountability Partners
- Izhan Arif
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
You can’t do it alone. The writing process, that is. You can write an entire novel, or short story, or screenplay, or whatever completely by yourself, and that’s typically the norm, but you also need some sort of outside help to get you through a hurdle in your writing process. Take this blog post for example: you’re reading it because you’re hoping to find a nugget of useful info that will propel you forward in some way in your writing. Expectations are high: I’m supposed to offer you something of immense value in just a couple minutes (no pressure). I’m joking of course but the truth is, sometimes you need help. In this Back to Basics course, we’re talking all about accountability partners.
What does accountability mean?
Before digging into the concept of accountability partners, let's define it. Accountability is (essentially) taking responsibility for your actions and choices.Â
It sounds simple enough but there’s lots of times when people don't hold themselves accountable. Here's an example:
You recently purchased a box of brownies from the supermarket and plan to enjoy it in moderation throughout the week. However, you soon find out that your gluttonous roommate (let’s call him Derek) has eaten all of the brownies overnight. All twelve, in, like, one sitting. Seriously, what the heck Derek? This is why you’re divorced. Now after this brownie blindside, you’d understandably be pissed and confront Derek. Derek has two options here. One is that he can double down and refuse to apologize for his actions and remain a jerk, and that would be an example of him refusing to take accountability for his actions.
The other option however is that he can sincerely apologize for his brownie rampage and offer to buy another box as compensation, and give his word that he won’t touch these, too. This would be him taking accountability and there’s a solid chance you’d appreciate it. That being said, you’d probably still be a little weirded out by Derek and his eating habits. Seriously Derek, twelve brownies in a row? Come on, man.
Anyways, that’s what accountability boils down to: owning up to things and keeping yourself on your toes, and it’s an important part of life. In turn, accountability is also an important part of writing: it's how to get things done.
What an accountability partner can be
An accountability partner is a person who will hold you accountable for your writing. They want to help you achieve what you’re setting out to do. The cool thing is that an accountability partner doesn’t have to be another writer, it could be anybody you’re comfortable with. Sure, it's a huge plus if your partner is another writer—you'd be able to workshop your ideas with them in a creative environment—but I don’t think it has to be a requirement. What you’re ultimately trying to do with an accountability partner is communicate with them about whatever writing goals you have. Then they will periodically check in with you to make sure you’re hitting your benchmarks and offer words of encouragement along the way. Here's another example:
Let’s say it’s January 1st, and you want to finish 2,000 words of a project by February 1st. You communicate this goal with your accountability partner and tell them to check in on you. Checking-in could happen in lots of different increments. It can be every other week or much more frequently (like daily—talk about stress). Your partner will be most effective on a schedule you set, like where you’re at on the 15th of January and then on the 30th of January. You could also ask for weekly check-ins, or whatever works for you.Â
There’s no real hard & fast rule for this; the most important thing is that you’re communicating and enforcing some sort of schedule so that you can complete your goals.
I myself have an accountability partner: one of my close friends. He helps keep me on my toes for whatever personal projects I’m doing and I’m very comfortable with the arrangement. Just speaking from my personal experience, it’s been very rewarding having an accountability partner because it puts that extra bit of external pressure to try and get my writing done. I need that fear of a deadline dangerously looming over my head like an albatross because I think my best work comes from that pressure-cooker atmosphere. But that’s just me.
Editor's note: an external partner demanding pages is a whole lot harder to ignore than that voice in your head that keeps saying it's okay to push back the arbitrary deadline.
Is an accountability partner right for you?
It’s worth noting that while an accountability partner is a great asset, they might not be necessary for all writers. Some writers have their own system and ways to stay productive, and the ones who can finish their writing goals on their own without outside help probably wouldn’t need an accountability partner.
I should also mention that who you choose as your accountability partner should be a careful consideration. Anyone is capable of this role but you want to find someone who will be the right pick for you. You wouldn’t necessarily want the overbearing president of your HOA pestering you about your novel, right?
Think about if the person you select will actually go through with dedicating time to check in on your progress and/or talk to you about your project in a meaningful way. At the end of the day they’re here to help you be productive, not to be disruptive.
To wrap up: writing is not just a skill, it’s a discipline, and it’s so incredibly easy to fall out of it or to develop writer’s block. Just remember you can always find help (especially on our Discord). Let’s hold each other accountable as we keep on with our writing.
The Challenge:
Find yourself an accountability partner! Choose someone who you think would be a good fit for you and make sure they check in with you regularly.
Set goals, deadlines, and a timeline for checking-in together.
Try our accountability channel on Discord.
Thanks for joining us for this Back to Basics course; see you all next time!
About the author:
Izhan Arif is an English graduate from the University of Illinois, Chicago. His interests tend to revolve around all things superhero, whether it be comics, shows, or movies! He also loves to write (go figure) and when he's not working on Back to Basics, he's also writing videos for WatchMojo!