Announcing a Brand New, Unconventional System to Help Writers Stay On Track, Accountable, and Divinely Inspired
The “Just Do The Writing” Accountability Circle, aka the Writer’s Circle, is a powerful system to help writers like you – novelists, screenwriters, songwriters, poets, non-fiction writers, and creative writers – stay on track with your work so you can get your writing into the world.
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Register Now for the Next Session Starting March 19th, 2012
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You Know The Story
- You’re longing to write, but you can’t find the time.
- You have the time, but you never seem to get around to it.
- You have something to say, but you can’t seem to get started.
- You struggle with feeling isolated and alone as a writer, day in and day out at your desk.
- You’re writing, some, but it feels like you’re not making the kind of progress you’d like to see happening.
- You’re blocked, and you can’t seem to get going again.
- You’re struggling with perfectionism, procrastination, and paralysis and it seems like there’s no way out.
What I Know Is True
Deep down, it feels like if you can’t make your writing happen, you’ll be walking around like someone who never had the child they were meant to have. That you’ll have left your life’s great work unfinished.
As someone who shares your writing dream — and is making it happen — it’s my passion to help writers like you find the fierce and reverent commitment we need to show up and do our writing no matter what pain, doubt, or terror we experience in the process.
But yeah, it IS scary, and it IS a big deal, and you need support to pull it off.
I want to help you.
I’m Jenna Avery and I’m a Writer, Too
I’m Jenna Avery, and I’ve been writing professionally since 1996. But I’ve been longing to get my books and scripts into the world along with the hundreds of personal development articles, blog posts, and programs I’ve written over the last 9 years as a life coach.
So when I found this new online accountability system for writers, I instantly knew that 1) I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it myself, and 2) I couldn’t wait to share it with you.
I quickly got involved in the early development stages of system so I could bring it to you as quickly as possible. We’re just moving it out of beta mode, and our Grand Opening is Tuesday, October 4th, 2011. And I’d love to have you join us.
Is This For You?
- You are serious about your writing, whether you are untested, a “diamond in the rough,” or a seasoned professional.
- You have a writing project or other commitment to regular ongoing writing or art that you’ve been WANTING to get to but haven’t quite been able to see through, whether due to procrastination, lack of motivation, writer’s block, lack of time, uncertainty, or any of the other myriad reasons you’re not doing the writing you want to be doing.
- You want support and accountability to get your writing done.
- You don’t want writing feedback on your actual work, but are looking for support to see it through.
- You like technology and connecting online or you are willing to give it shot.
- You want to stave off the isolation of working alone, whether you’re “getting to” your writing, or not.
- You are willing to put in a few minutes each day to participate (about 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week).
This Is NOT For You If:
- You only like connecting with people in person.
- You don’t have a specific writing goal in mind (Specific enough = I know I want to write a book and I don’t know what it is yet but I want to get started on it, OR, I want to create a daily writing habit. Not specific enough = I just want to have a community to connect with online, but I’m not really that serious about being a writer.)
- Your life is so insanely busy you can’t carve out an extra 30 minutes five days per week.
Where the Writer’s Circle Came From
This is an online system designed to provide “social accountability” for writers — it’s structured around the principles of daily check-ins and group support, as well as developing some new work habits, which I teach through live calls and online materials.
This system was created by a woman named Gina Hiatt, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist who developed it to support academic writers (professors & grad students) stay on track with long term writing projects — you know, the ones that are a *little* harder to stick with. *grin*
After coaching clients privately for several years, Gina realized that they needed not just weekly, but daily accountability, feedback, support, and the ability to interact with others about the process of writing. Because daily private coaching isn’t practical for most people, she developed a unique, proprietary, online membership website that places participants in small groups, each with their own coach.
What I’ve done is build a supportive accountability group for other writers, like novelists, screenwriters, songwriters, poets, non-fiction writers, and creative writers, upon the very same system, called the Just Do The Writing Accountability Circle or the Writer’s Circle for short.
How the Writer’s Circle Works
When you register, we’ll assign you to a group of 8 to 12 writers, with a trained coach to support you for the 4 week session.
To kick off the session, I’ll lead you through a phone session with a visual slide show (you can participate via Skype if you like) that shows you how to use the system and teaches you the principles you’ll be relying on for our work together.
Then, each day, you’ll do your writing, and log in to the system to report your progress to your group via a “Progress Grid,” by answering powerful questions to help you not only track your writing time, your progress, and your results, but also to set your plans for the next day’s work and receive the support of other writers committed to doing their work.
The system displays a visual green check mark to show you’ve done your work, so you can see at a glance how you’re doing, as well as graphs that give you a visual representation of your progress (see below).
The Progress Grid
Here is a sample screenshot of the check-in “grid” where you’ll see your daily check marks, receive comments from other participants, answer daily questions, and track your work.
On the site, you’ll also find all the recordings for the current session, a “Wiki” with information and support to help you with your writing, a private forum just for your group, and a larger program wide forum for all the groups.
The Progress Questions
Your peers will also be able to read and comment on your daily check-ins, which is so powerful — there’s nothing quite like knowing you’re all in it together.
Sample Progress Graph
This is a sample graph that shows one participant’s writing time over the course of the last 4 week cycle:
The Ultimate Vision
For our Grand Opening, we’re starting with simple basic groups of 8 to 12 writers per group for each 4 week session.
The ultimate vision is to have subgroups for:
- Fiction & Creative Writers
- Genre Fiction Writers like SF/F
- Screenwriters
- Poets & Songwriters
- Non-Fiction Writers
Each group will have an assigned coach who helps you keep doing your writing, along with the support of your peers.
Program Benefits
Included in each 4 week session, you’ll have:
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Access to the Online Accountability System in 4 week sessions
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Coaching support from your assigned coach (me or another trained coach)
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Peer group support from your fellow participants
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An Introductory Welcome Call to orient you to the system and the principles we’ll use for our writing (usually scheduled on Day 1 or Day 2 of the session)
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A Mid-Session Coaching Call where you can receive live “spot coaching” from your program leader (that’s me!) (usually scheduled on Day 14 or 15 of the session)
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Group and Program Forums where you can get your questions answered
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Graphs to give visual representations of your progress
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Downloadable Recordings of all the live calls
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Downloadable Progress Summaries so you can save your progress journals for future reference
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An online Wiki with information, resources, tools, and inspirational links to help you with your writing
Inspiration
From Seth Godin:
“Set a goal, and in small, consistent steps, work to reach it. Get support from your peers when you start flagging.”
“While you and I have been busy running down dead ends and wasting our effort, scientists have been busy trying to figure out what actually works. And they know how:
- Small steps work.
- Consistent effort works.
- Group support works.
That’s it. Three things. Set a goal, and in small, consistent steps, work to reach it. Get support from your peers when you start flagging. Repeat.
You will change.”
This is EXACTLY what this system is all about, and why I’m so excited about it: small steps, consistent effort, and group support.
What could be better? *grin*
Registration
Register here for the next session of the Writer’s Circle, which starts on March 19th, 2012. The last day to register is Thursday, March 15th. If you are past the registration date, you are welcome to register now for the next session, which starts on April 16th, 2012.
A four week session in the Writer’s Circle is only regularly $97 $77 per 4 week session with our introductory Grand Opening Rate, guaranteed for as long as your subscription remains current and continuous. That’s the equivalent of less than a fancy coffee a day. Seeing your writing happening is worth at least that much to you, right?
Plus, if you’re a subscriber to my free Writing Tips Series, you’ll have received a coupon you can apply toward your first session at checkout. Check your inbox if you haven’t seen it arrive or let my team know and we’ll get it sorted out for you.
IMPORTANT: You are signing up for a membership program that has a recurring billing cycle every 28 days. If you ever wish to cancel your subscription, just let us know in a timely way (we’ll send out a reminder of the renewal) and we’ll happily do so for you. Additionally, we will adjust your billing cycle so that it coincides with the start dates of the Writer’s Circle sessions so it is easy to coordinate participation and billing information.
Register Here for the Writer’s CircleYes! Sign me up — I want to start writing! My enrollment in this program confirms that I agree to and understand the following Writer’s Circle policies: Yes, I understand that I am enrolling in a membership program that has a recurring billing cycle every 28 days, and that you will adjust my billing cycle for future sessions (subsequent to my initial first payment) to match the start date of each session. Yes, I understand that if I ever wish to cancel my subscription, I must do so no later than the Thursday before the next session starts. If I cancel after the Thursday before the next session, I understand that the fee for the program is non-refundable and that I will have the choice of finishing out the current session or not participating. Fees: Regularly $97, Receive our Grand Opening rate of $77 per 4 week session when you register now: |
Join me and let’s get your writing into the world where it belongs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the coaches for the program?
A: The current coaches for the Writer’s Circle include Jenna Avery and Jill Winski. Other coaches will be added as the Circle expands.
- Jenna Avery is a creative destiny coach, writer, and big dream believer 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. Jenna is currently writing a sci fi screenplay called “One | Billion.”
- Jill Winski is a writer and a creativity coach who offers her clients support for the vulnerability and fear that often go hand in hand with creating. She is a Martha Beck Certified Life Coach and has an MFA in creative writing from Columbia College Chicago. Jill is thrilled to support other writers to keep their commitment to writing and move through their fears in the Writer’s Circle. You can find out more about Jill at www.JillWinski.com.
Q: Why do your sessions start and run even through the holidays?
A: One of the key writing principles we use in the Writer’s Circle is to write every day — at least 5 out of every 7 — even for just a few minutes. So we carry on writing, session by session, regardless. Sure, participants take vacations (and so do we!) but we get back to our writing as soon as we get back, and sometimes write even on our holidays.
To that end, we start a new session every 28 days no matter what.
Q: Can I participate from overseas?
A: Yes, absolutely. Most of what we do in the Writer’s Circle happens on your own schedule. There are no assignments, other than the goals you create for yourself. You will login everyday to our online system and let us know how your writing it going. If you really want to see what it looks like on the inside, you can check out the Orientation Videos for the Circle here.
Q: Will we be receiving feedback on our writing or critiquing each others’ work?
A: No. The Writer’s Circle is designed to provide accountability and support for Just Doing The Writing, not for writing critiquing. You will be invited to share small writing samples at the end of each session, but only if you want to.
More questions? Ask your questions at the bottom of this page and we’ll get them answered ASAP.
Rave Reviews for the Writer’s Circle
“It is rare to find a kind and generous community that is also truthful.”
I’m starting the day differently, so I write before I’m tired. That’s not a new idea, but this past week I’ve managed to actually do it. The other main change which I totally didn’t expect was getting a handle on my negative talk. When I’m alone at my computer, I generally don’t notice the background soundtrack in my head, but having to write it down every day is really showing me how big of an affect it has on my ability to actually get stuff done. I’ve loved having somewhere to check in to. It’s definitely true that being accountable to somewhere helps. Perhaps loved is the wrong word. Some days I groan as I log on, as writing down the numbers forces me to confront what I’ve really been doing. I’ve loved having other’s comments. I find the more I put into my check ins, the more valuable comments I get. But I learn the most commenting on other’s work, and finding inspiration in shared problems and solutions I never would have thought it. It is rare to find a kind and generous community that is also truthful. It is rare to find a place to feel completely supported yet challenged to get things done. Jenna manages to create a space that balances each. I’ve always felt a greater sense of wholeness and hope working with Jenna, yet never plied with saccharin encouragement or false platitudes. ~ Jessica Vaughan, writer
“I would have really struggled to do this without this group.”
I loved the community, and how quickly the community came together. It made such a difference to have that support and it was so good to take the isolation of writing away. I love that my writing has quickly started to establish into my daily routine. I would have really struggled to do this without this group. I was a little hesitant as to how it would translate across the Atlantic. I am pleased to note that the only thing that doesn’t entirely translate is the spell check . And I think I can live with that! I’m more creative, more productive. Starting to identify as a writer… it’s so exciting, and we still have plenty of time to go! If you’re considering this course, GO FOR IT!!! ~ Rebekah Shepherd, Yoga teacher, Writer, www.soulnicheyoga.com
“The practice of doing the writing on a daily basis has opened up insights and heightened clarity of what’s next in my whole life.”
The Writer’s Circle is an invaluable tool for creating and maintaining creative momentum. I was pleasantly surprised, blown away, in fact, that being a part of this Circle, and under the auspices of showing up as a Writer, opened me up to tremendous insights and heightened clarity of what’s next in my whole life! What I loved: Seeing myself and the participants gain insights, refine our writing practices in ways that truly serve our writing, embodying ‘writer’ as an important part of our true and purposeful identities, and the ‘incidental’ personal growth that can’t help but happen. I’ve noticed that I’m less distracted once I sit down to write, that I am almost always surprised at what I’ve written/the story that’s unfolding, that some of the others in the group really ‘see’ me even though I haven’t gone to great lengths to help them to understand me, that the practice of doing the writing on a daily basis (in this case, it’s fiction) has opened up insights and heightened clarity of what’s next in my whole life. ~ Lydia Puhak, Transformative Coach, Mentor and Sensitive Idealist, www.lydiapuhak.com
“Exceptional involvement from fellow writers. Extraordinary non-judgmental encouragement from Jenna. DO IT!!”
DO IT!! Jenna is fabulous! I strongly endorse her classes, coaching, and other programming… I don’t think there is anyone better around. This is an excellent, comprehensive, yet easy to use format. Exceptional involvement from fellow writers. Extraordinary non-judgmental encouragement from Jenna. Effective focus on accountability and goals. I have more than one idea for writing which I had been putting off for some time. Before the circle began, I was not sure I could decide quickly on my project, not sure if I was ready to write on a consistent basis, not sure what I was committing myself to (as far as what the time/disclosure requirements might be). However, the day-to-day format of both inputting progress as well as giving & receiving feedback has been pivotal in helping me fully integrate several improvements not only in my writing, but also in my overall work consistency and quality of life. As a result of my increased awareness from this course, my daily schedule has become more effective and balanced. I find myself easily making better choices in how I spend my time and energy now. I also feel tremendous validation, support, encouragement, and kinship here with other writers. It has been a life-changing experience! ~ Sandy Edwards, Entrepreneur, Artist, Community Developer
“I am writing more and more regularly.”
“Loved most: Do I have to pick one thing? I guess it would be the wonderful energy of everyone in this group! And secondly how the questions and answering them daily have forced me to become more aware of my own process, for everything! Writing, of course, but also taking care of myself, my thought patterns, etc. Before participating, I was concerned about not having time to give this my all – and that I was overcommitting myself at a very busy time of year for me. Now, I feel like I am having some sort of epiphany in my life right now about so many aspects of my life, all spurred by this course. I would say I primarily feel like I am becoming kinder to myself ( and others in turn) because of increased awareness about my negative self-talk and practices in changing it; overall, I feel more balanced AND accomplished in this time frame, I am writing more and more regularly than I was before starting this ( I have almost filled a 3 subject notebook with my writing from this course time alone!), and I am feeling more confident, positive, and happy about my potential for a future that includes a creatively blissful existence! I actually just said to my friend today, and I quote: ‘I am nearing the end of this 4 week writing accountability online class and I have to say it has been an AWESOME experience to get me focused on writing regularly, connect with other writing/creative community people, and really making me have one aha moment after another, not just about writing, but about my life as well, along the lines of the above: aligning time spent with values more closely, cutting out everything that is not essential to have the time and energy to focus on what is most important to me, etc… I would highly recommend checking it out and thinking about signing up for this next class.’” ~ Molly Yarrington, Inspirer Extraordinaire
“I feel encouraged to continue even on days when I don’t feel I have time or energy or desire.”
“Loved most: The support of other participants. Doubts beforehand: Is this going to be kind of new age stuff about finding your mission in life etc. and will everyone be young and visionary? Results? 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. If you need help to get your “fingers on the keyboard” this course will help.” ~ Fredrica Parlett, Writer, Searcher, Hyperactive Senior
“Good if you want to write more and make fewer excuses not to write.”
“Loved leaving and getting comments on daily progress. it made me write almost every day! Now, I’m writing more consistently. I’m feeling good about all of it. I like getting to know the other participants. I’m feeling consistently creative. The course is good if you want to write more and make fewer excuses not to write. It’s so easy to talk oneself into not doing something creative and instead doing something mundane.” ~ Giulietta Nardone, Inspirational rebel, Writer and Karaoke singer, www.giuliettathemuse.com
“Definitely take this course if you have a harsh inner critic, if you put off writing, or if you just have trouble making the time to write.”
“I’m liking the online site and the process of logging in my progress very much. It gives me a sense of purpose around doing my writing, and community, and everyone’s comments are so supportive and insightful. I’m noticing that I’m less judgmental toward my writing and myself. I think it’s invaluable to have such an open, shame-free space to record our progress (or lack of it). In such a short time, this group has cultivated in me an awareness and curiosity about my writing process. I’m actually looking forward to writing because I want to log in my progress and read everyone else’s. I’m also written a lot more in the past week and a half than I’d planned to, or, I think, than I would have otherwise. Definitely take this course if you have a harsh inner critic, if you put off writing, or if you just have trouble making the time to write.” ~ Jill Winski, Writer & Creativity Coach, http://jillwinski.com
