Let’s face it – writing is tough. Writing is hard work. It can also be a very lonely endeavor as we plug away in our own little corner. For support, consider joining an online or local writing accountability group.
Being a Christian writer can add another element of difficulty with our spiritual enemy placing a target on our backs. When we sit down to write words that glorify Jesus, we are engaging in a battle. Kingdom writers are essentially declaring war on the kingdom of darkness every time we block off time to write words that could potentially impact others for eternity.
If we’re not careful, we can easily find a million excuses for why we can’t write today, tomorrow, or next week. That’s where a writing accountability group can help us move forward in our call to write.
Whether it’s an online writing community or a local writing accountability group, read on to see whether or not you might want to consider this added layer of support.
Why Join a Writing Accountability Group?
Webster’s dictionary defines accountability as, “an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.
When I think of some of the accountability groups I’ve been a part of over the years, I think of a support system of brothers and sisters who have permission to ask hard questions. “How are you doing in this specific area of your life?” “What actions have you taken since our last meeting?” “What are you currently struggling with and how can we pray for you?”
As fragile human beings, we are acknowledging our need to lean on others. Joining a writing accountability group isn’t a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it takes courage to say, “I can’t do this alone-I need help.”
In his book, No Man is an Island, author Thomas Merton writes,
“We are not all weak in the same spots, and so we supplement and complete one another, each one making up in himself for the lack in another.”
Isn’t this a picture of the Church, otherwise known as the Body of Christ?
By joining a writing accountability group or online writing community, we are becoming vulnerable by admitting we need others to help supplement our weaknesses. We’re also offering our strengths to aid others in their own journey.
The writer of Proverbs said it well,
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV)
What to Look for in a Writing Accountability Group
A writing accountability group could be as small as two people. In this case, we might refer to our “accountability partner.” In terms of a maximum number of people in a writing accountability group, that’s going to vary. My personal recommendation would be to keep it ten people or smaller in order to retain a more intimate atmosphere and to allow time for each member to share what’s happening with their writing.
Though it should be a given, Christian writers should seek out fellow Christian writers. There’s nothing wrong with joining a local or online writing group that consists of writers from many genres and backgrounds. But when it comes to deeper accountability and the added advantage of lifting one another up in prayer, the Christian writer needs that common bond of Christ to be the central theme of the group.
We agree with Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonian church,
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT)
Encouraging one another in our writing and building each other up in our call to write should be two characteristics of any Christian writing accountability group.
Where Does a Writing Accountability Group Meet?
Some of you might have the ability to meet with a writing accountability group in person. If you attend a large local church, there’s a good chance others within your congregation have a call to write words that glorify the Lord. Making an announcement to gauge interest could be the first step before deciding on a meeting location. Will you meet out of a home? Rotate home to home? Meet in a church classroom? Local library?
C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien started a writing accountability group they named the “Inklings.” Each week, the group would meet at the Eagle and Child Pub in Oxford to share a pint of beer along with their latest writings. The only real membership requirements were “Christianity and a tendency to write.”
Ultimately, the location could be anywhere the group would feel comfortable to share their writing and their hearts with one another.
Why an Online Writing Community?
For some of you, the option of meeting with a local writing accountability group might not be possible. In this instance, an online writing community might be a great option. Our Christian Book Academy not only offers step by step help for those who desire to write, self-publish and market their books, but we also have writing accountability groups as a way to help Kingdom writers stay on track with their writing.
Generally, the writing accountability groups within our online writing community consist of 2-4 people per group. This allows for deeper bonding and support without feeling overwhelmed. Our online writing community is made up of Kingdom writers from around the world with a variety of backgrounds. Imagine meeting with like-minded brothers and sisters who might be separated by thousands of miles but are united by the bond of Christ and a desire to impact others with the written word.
Our monthly virtual writing retreats and war room prayer gatherings are additional outlets to give and receive encouragement within an online writing community.
Another way our online writing community is able to stay accountable is through our monthly 15-Minute Writer challenge. This is a great way to write some words without feeling overwhelmed. Even just 15 minutes of writing a day can add up over time. Small, manageable chunks of writing can help us develop momentum in our call to write.
10 More Reasons to Join a Writing Accountability Group
- Encourage and inspire others with the progress you’re making
- Be encouraged and inspired as you see the progress of others in the group
- One more outlet to pray for fellow Kingdom writers and also receive prayer
- One more way to defeat the enemy by being surrounded by Christ followers
- Motivation – “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24 NLT)
- Receiving constructive advice – “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” (Proverbs 12:15 NLT)
- A chance to develop a consistent writing habit
- Being around other sets of fresh eyes to help us see from a new perspective
- Helps keep us on track to meet goals and deadlines
- Going from stuck to unstuck with the helping hands of others
Resources for Finding a Writing Accountability Group
Today’s Christian Living has compiled a nice listing of Christian writing group resources – https://todayschristianliving.org/christian-writers-groups/
We would love for you to join our monthly two-day Virtual Writing Retreats inside Christian Book Academy. Join us here.Join us here.
Recommended Reading
- The Power of Setting Goals and Having Accountability
- Putting an End to Procrastination
- Importance of Community + Coaching for Kingdom Writers
You might also like our free eBook, Writing Wheel, where you can learn 5 proven writing strategies to get more writing done. Download your copy here.Download your copy here.
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