Ac-count-a-ble: required or expected to justify actions or decisions; responsible
I was nervous about coming out of the closet as a writer. Before anyone knew, it wasn't embarrassing if I failed. It didn't matter if I finished manuscripts and submitted them to agents or editors.
When I finally came out, my family and friends were encouraging. And now that I'm blogging, the support has multiplied in amazing ways. Making it known that I'm writing and seeking publication also made me accountable. Some benefits of accountability are:
- Motivation: if we know that other people are keeping track of and monitoring our actions, we're motivated to produce. When we belong to a critique group, we're encouraged to write fresh pages. This keeps us moving forward.
- Improvement: when we're accountable, we work harder. When we work harder, our writing improves. No matter where we are in our writing lives, there's always room for advancement.
- Relationships: accountability promotes good working relationships. Our critique partners trust us, and vice versa. There's a sense of teamwork around each project we work on together.
- Courage: it's not easy putting ourselves out there. We pour our hearts and souls on the page, then offer it up for a thumbs up or thumbs down. This helps strengthen our body armor.
When we're accountable, others are watching us. The good thing is, people are there to lift us up when we fail, and they'll help celebrate when we succeed.
How about you? Do you find that being accountable helps with your writing?
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