Too Much Accountability?

On taking something that works too far.

Hello everyone!

I took a break for the holiday, as I had friends visiting during my last weekend in Charleston. Now I’m back in Western North Carolina for a blip before it’s back to Dad in Florida and the start of my K-pop concert season.

Let’s get to it!

Over Enrolled

Writing is such a solitary exercise that external methods of accountability are crucial.

In my journalism life, deadlines provide that structure. But with my novel and my nonfiction book idea, I don’t have any deadlines — at least, not until I have an agent or a book contract. The same is true for pitching story ideas: no one holds my feet to that fire but me.

In June, I did Jami Attenberg’s #1000wordsofsummer challenge, in which I wrote at least that much for 14 days straight. It worked well! I got a very rough draft of my book proposal done.

So, I jumped at the opportunity to build in more accountability through some creative classes, starting with a 10-week online novella class this summer.

The definition of a novella is loose, but it’s usually somewhere between 17,000 to 40,000 words. In theory, I’ll have three chapters uploaded by midnight tonight for workshopping. My instructor is great, and he wisely is only requiring 5 pages per chapter. But my hope was to have a draft of a novella finished, and 15 pages does not three chapters make.

In short — I’ve got a lot of writing to do this afternoon, and I’m dubious about the quality.

But that’s not all!

I also have a nonfiction book proposal class starting tomorrow, which I hope will get me to work on those messy pages and get a good draft. No writing is due, but we will be reading and analyzing proposals — and it would be ideal to use this opportunity to tighten those words I wrote in June.

But there’s MORE!

I’m a judge for a book award through the American Society of Journalists and Authors — a volunteer position I took in order to hold my feet to the fire on my Goodreads Reading Challenge number.

So, now I have three books to read and evaluate before August 1.

And a novella to write before mid-August.

And a book proposal to tighten to send ASAP, as it’s on a timely event.

And outstanding stories to write, at least three of which are due by September 1.

And more stories to land, as I’m still way behind in my money goals for the year.

And my editing work for the Biltmore Beacon, which is increasing.

Oh, and then there are the free courses I signed up for that I’m trying to do because they will genuinely help me right now (writing tighter and digital security).

Reader, I have over-accountabilitied myself.

When I look at this list, it’s clear what I’ll get done: the pieces with external accountability. I feel a duty to be a good judge, so the reading is (finally) moving a pace. The assigned stories will get written.

But the novella? The book proposal? The rest of the stories I need to meet my money goals?

It all feels like a lot.

Silver Linings

I’m overbooked, it’s true. But there’s still potential to squeeze value out of every opportunity.

Let’s start with the novella class. I’m using it to write the story of one of my novel’s main characters in the days leading up to where the novel begins. Thom is the character whose motivations I understand least, so any insight I can gain in this endeavor will be valuable. I had (unrealistically) hoped to have a polished draft by the end of the summer.

But to get the words I need on the page — at least 10 pages, double-spaced by midnight tonight — I have to fast track and free write. Blurt it out and worry about the details later.

I suppose there’s a value in that as well, however, even though it’s a skill I have for the most part. I’m curious to see what I produce this afternoon and evening.

Then, there are the books for the award. I’m enjoying what I’m reading, and it’s good practice to read three books in the genre I’m hoping to write (nonfiction). It may also be useful to read those alongside my book proposal class — studying both sides of the process from proposal to product. And since I am wayyyy behind on my Goodreads challenge, well — there you go. (I’ve also downloaded all the novellas we’re reading for the novella class so that I can bump up my numbers.)

Will I finish the proposal? Maybe. That really should be a priority. But I want to get started before I do.

The Writing Tighter course is also one I should make time for, because I know it will help in all the journalism pieces I have on the horizon. There’s a lot more to it time-wise than I realized — as in, 20-30 minute videos every week. But I’ll see if I can schedule it in.

That leaves my outstanding stories, the stories I have left to pitch and land, and the Beacon.

It’s all about scheduling, I suppose, but also balancing that with the concert trips and those days where I crash. It’s the crashing that’s unpredictable. Maybe I should try and schedule that, too.

It really is the crashing, and the travel, that has disrupted things. The crashing is an old issue, the travel new. And every time I think I’ve escaped the crashing, it roars back. I returned from Charleston on Friday and proceeded to sleep in until almost 10 a.m. on Saturday and then have a 3-hour nap. My exhaustion amazes even me sometimes.

But all I can do is take a deep breath and tackle one thing at a time.

On that note, it’s time for breakfast and some Beacon work before I get my 2 hours of reading in. Then, it’s novella time.

Wish me luck — it’ll be a packed Sunday. Glad I’ll have the men’s championships at Wimbledon in the background to keep me going. (Go Carlos!)

Have you ever overbooked your accountability structures? Let us know in the comments how it went.

Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery

I’m updating this list again to include help for those in Central Texas after the floods. It’s been surreal to see this list grow from Helene in WNC to the L.A. fires and now the Texas floods. Sheesh.

NEW Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. I’m still vetting places to donate, but I chose this one because it focuses beyond the immediate relief efforts to recovery. It’s run by The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, and I’ve seen our local Community Foundation provide numerous grants to those in need after Helene. But I’m still looking to more grassroots organizations.

Help Catye Gowan Feed People with Dietary Needs! This chef has been out there on her own since the storm began cooking food designed for people with severe dietary issues like Celiac and dietary preferences like veganism. She’s a force for good, and every dollar helps!

Help the House of Black Cat Magic Save Black Cats! Our second cat, Mini Keeper-Moo, came from Binx’s Home for Black Cats, one of only a handful of black cat-specific rescues in the country. They opened up a gorgeous black cat lounge and magic shop last May, but since Hurricane Helene they’re struggling like every other business. They’ve only received $15,000 micro-grants since the storm to save their business — not a cent more. Please help them help black cats!

BeLoved Asheville. These folks are the best in the world — the ultimate model of mutual aid and greeting the world with love. Check out what they’ve been doing, and donate, here. BeLoved has also sent supplies to Texas, so donating to them will help both WNC and Texas.

The Deep End of Hope in the Wake of Hurricane Helene: 40 Days and Nights of Survival and Transformation. A Ground Zero view of the storm’s devastation — and a community’s resilience — from a trauma chaplain who lived it.

World Central Kitchen. A hot meal means everything in such difficult moments, and World Central Kitchen shows up for every disaster.

This Week’s Dose of K-Pop: j-hope, “MORE”

This song, j-hope’s first single from his solo album “Jack in the Box.” A lot was riding on this, as he was the first member to release an album and headline Lollapalooza that summer before enrolling in his mandatory military service. In fact, he prepared so much for his Lollapalooza stage that other members noted how worried they were about him.

I’m moved by the passion for his art he mentions, but also struck by these two lines: “I’m doing it all” and “I’m still (not enough).” I’m decidedly not doing it all. But j-hope’s lines are a reminder that even if you are, you won’t realize or recognize it.

Love y’all,
Sara