What is an Accountabilibuddy session?
An Accountabilibuddy (Accountability + Buddy) session is a one-on-one appointment session where the writer is “shadowed” by a writing consultant. Also known as body doubling, this technique is effective at promoting productivity in writing or research (The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). Available in both half-hour and hour-long sessions, the University Writing Center consultant will sit with the writer as they draft, research, or read during their appointment. Depending on the preferences of the writer, the writing consultant can act as a form of support during these sessions, checking in as desired or prompting throughout the appointment.
What does an Accountabilibuddy session look like?
Each Accountabilibuddy session is adapted to the needs and expectations of the writer. These sessions can be conducted in many ways, but generally will begin with a brief conversation about the writer’s goals for their session. Following this, the writing or research process will begin. Listed below are a variety of strategies for an Accountabilibuddy session, some of:
- Supportive Listener:
- Using this strategy, the writing consultant will adjust their presence in the session to the writer’s needs. This can be as simple as:
- Listening to the writer vent about their research
- Prompting them to continue writing, or
- Body doubling for the writer throughout the session
- This strategy works well for writers who have specific preferences for how they would like to organize their thoughts and research.
- Using this strategy, the writing consultant will adjust their presence in the session to the writer’s needs. This can be as simple as:
- Active Check-in:
- Using this strategy, the writing consultant will provide the writer with regular check-ins and feedback throughout the writing process with the goal of keeping the writer on task. This strategy is especially helpful for writers looking for vocal support or feedback throughout their writing process.
- The Pomodoro:
- Designed in the early 1980s, this strategy provides the writer with a specific structure to their consultant, allowing for regular breaks through task management. The writing consultant will keep time of the sessions, typically allowing for at least 20 minutes of writing time between short breaks of 5 to 7 minutes. This strategy is especially helpful for writers who need to take breaks during their writing process.
Of course, there are plenty of other strategies that can be applied to each Accountabilibuddy session. More like these can be found at the University of Minnesota Center for Writing.
Time will be taken at the end of the Accountabilibuddy session to reflect on the appointment with the writer.
