A Contract to Write #4

It's been a while since we've done one of these, so here's a round to cover the summer months. What do you want to accomplish in your writing life over the next three months?

For some, the summer is the best time to get writing done. For others, it poses a challenge. No matter which side you fall on, set some goals and work on this.

For this, the fourth swap in this series, you will draft a writing contract for yourself, sign it and send it to three partners.

The contract period is June 1 through August 31, 2011. In other words, short-term goals. Make sure your goals are SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely.

Why a contract? First, one of the ways to successfully reach a goal is to write it down. A second way is to tell someone what you want to do. To reach a big goal, you have to break it down into manageable pieces -- little steps lead to big ones. "A journey of a completed book begins with a single word."

You can create your contract longhand, do something on the computer, put it on a postcard, or whatever suits your fancy.

Contract elements:

• your name

• the date

• what you will write/accomplish during the contract period

• I will accomplish this goal by: (how you will reach the goal)

• The reward you will give yourself for successful completion of the contract

• Your signature

Optional elements:

• a signature line for your partner who is your contract "witness"

• any additional info that will inspire you to meet your goal

Group membership. Snail mail. International.