2026 Writing Accountability
Passport Challenge
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Do you need an accountability booster for your writing practice? This is a new way to help you create and stick to your daily practice. And, perhaps most importantly, keep getting back on the wagon when life gets in the way.
Writers come to the Salon to work across dozens of genres. Despite the wide range of pursuits, almost everyone shares the same two needs: community and accountability (the former often being a form of the latter). Going into our seventh year supporting writers to meet their goals, we are focusing 2026 efforts on a year-long accountability challenge. Everyone is invited to join (or re-join) at any time in the next twelve months. Here's the scoop (longer deets below): |
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- The goal is consistency. We want to help you show up for yourself.
- Every writer chooses their metric. You select your own doable bar to set.
- Monthly gatherings will keep you on track. And there will be stickers and bagels (and prizes!)
- Celebrate all parts of the journey. That means streaks, getting back to the page, PRs, etc.
- You can join (or re-join) any time. Keep coming back.
Ready to super charge your writing practice this year? Sign up so we know your preferred accountability methods and to make sure to have enough materials.
Challenge Q&A (and How To)
What goal should I set (and can I change it)?
Consistency is the name of the game, so whatever goals you set should be daily. It can be based on words or time, whichever suits you. We recommend 200 words OR 30 minutes every day. Every month is brand new, so keep your goal static if it’s working, or try another if it's not a good fit.
What are the stickers for?
Stickers are awarded at the monthly gathering for a perfect monthly streak, smaller streaks, coming back to the practice (aka boomeranging), personal achievements, and more. You’re free to add whatever elements you like (e.g., new work only, stick to a single piece of writing until it’s done, write only standing up, only hand-writing counts, etc.) We'll help you recognize yourself for all of it.
What are the dates of the gatherings and what if I can't join?
Gatherings will be on these dates, each recognizing the month prior: Jan 31st, Feb 28th, Apr 4th, May 2nd, May 30th, Jun 27th, Aug 1st, Aug 29th, Oct 3rd, Oct 31st, Dec 5th, and celebration on Jan 2nd 2027. If you miss any, you can backfill your passport with whatever stickers you earned. Don't forget to bring your passport with you!
Why are you calling it the Passport Challenge?
Writing is a winding adventure: some days joyful and easy, others confusing and full of fear and doubt. The hope is this challenge will help you welcome and celebrate all the turns and speed bumps. Plus, everyone will get a little "passport" notebook to track their writing, collect their stamps (i.e. stickers), and reflect.
Should I join even if I know I need a few breaks for travel?
Yes, you should! It's sort of like a meditation challenge: coming back and starting again are super important muscles to build. Plus get support and ideas from others and reflect on what does and doesn't work for you. And if it's April already or, heck, August, you can still jump in!
What happens at the end of 2026?
We’ll meet again during the first weekend of 2027 to celebrate a year’s worth of effort with gifts and goodies!
Consistency is the name of the game, so whatever goals you set should be daily. It can be based on words or time, whichever suits you. We recommend 200 words OR 30 minutes every day. Every month is brand new, so keep your goal static if it’s working, or try another if it's not a good fit.
What are the stickers for?
Stickers are awarded at the monthly gathering for a perfect monthly streak, smaller streaks, coming back to the practice (aka boomeranging), personal achievements, and more. You’re free to add whatever elements you like (e.g., new work only, stick to a single piece of writing until it’s done, write only standing up, only hand-writing counts, etc.) We'll help you recognize yourself for all of it.
What are the dates of the gatherings and what if I can't join?
Gatherings will be on these dates, each recognizing the month prior: Jan 31st, Feb 28th, Apr 4th, May 2nd, May 30th, Jun 27th, Aug 1st, Aug 29th, Oct 3rd, Oct 31st, Dec 5th, and celebration on Jan 2nd 2027. If you miss any, you can backfill your passport with whatever stickers you earned. Don't forget to bring your passport with you!
Why are you calling it the Passport Challenge?
Writing is a winding adventure: some days joyful and easy, others confusing and full of fear and doubt. The hope is this challenge will help you welcome and celebrate all the turns and speed bumps. Plus, everyone will get a little "passport" notebook to track their writing, collect their stamps (i.e. stickers), and reflect.
Should I join even if I know I need a few breaks for travel?
Yes, you should! It's sort of like a meditation challenge: coming back and starting again are super important muscles to build. Plus get support and ideas from others and reflect on what does and doesn't work for you. And if it's April already or, heck, August, you can still jump in!
What happens at the end of 2026?
We’ll meet again during the first weekend of 2027 to celebrate a year’s worth of effort with gifts and goodies!