Naked Writers

When a critique partner reads my work aloud, I feel naked. Exposed. Not even an octopus has enough arms to cover all the embarrassing parts.

Although it makes me uncomfortable, I realize this is essential to the publishing process. Here are some benefits to letting it all hang out:

• Detecting funky flow. If the reader stumbles over a sentence, it probably needs cosmetic surgery or amputation. Unless you meet over margaritas. Then you can expect the stumbling.
• Laughing together at the blemishes. If we have the right attitude, laughing together over the ugly parts helps take the sting out. Plus, our writer friends are willing to help replace that hairy mole with something of the Cindy Crawford kind.
• Elephant Skin. Writers need thick skin. We want people to read and enjoy our books, but it'll take time and polish to get them ready. Most critique partners offer free makeovers in the form of helpful analysis. See this great post about handling criticism effectively.

Listening to my own words isn't as intimidating as it used to be. Sure, I'm still embarrassed, but I recognize that it's part of the game and I need to get over it.

Can you add any benefits to someone else reading your work out loud? Are your words still buried under a trench coat, or are you a naked writer?

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Accountability

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?

photo credit: google images