Hi all, Casey here.
Life is full of changes. One minute you’re changing diapers and the next… Oh wait…
Ch…Ch…Changes
No, we’re still here. Like any new venture, we’ve decided to go with a new look and use a format that is easier to read. We hope you like it!
So where was I? Diapers.
Yes, that very tall young man, (no, I’m not a shrimp, he’s almost 6′ 4″) is my oldest son. He graduated from high school in June. It’s taken a while for that to settle in (for me, not him).
And it got me to thinking about my own high school graduation and how much I have grown and changed. I knew I wanted to go to college. And I did. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (I guess I’ve always been ambitious, why not get two degrees for the price of one?). Both of which I immediately put to use (NOT!) working in the corporate world – the last place I ever thought I’d end up. But I had college loans to pay off and I needed a job.
Writing, which I had always enjoyed, became an escape from my job as a coporate drone. Then the kids came along. Full stop into motherhood I went. No regrets there, but serious writing and my own pursuits took a back seat for a while. A long while.
I finally admitted I wasn’t happy unless I was writing and I went from a dabbler to a professional. In any case, once I stepped onto the writer’s path and devoted myself to actually completing a book and sharing it, that was a big change for me.
I couldn’t hide who I was anymore – a writer. And darn proud of it!!
No more shame and no fear of saying – I can’t do (_____ fill in the blank) because I’m writing (meaning – I’m working here, do not disturb me.)
We all fear change, whether it’s scary or exhilarating, it’s still the unknown. Taken down to the craft level, I’ve met other writers who were scared to change anything in their manuscript, either because the words were too precious – they’d worked so hard to get them on that page or because, if they took something out, what would they replace it with?
Writers, in the early phase of the journey, are either totally resistant to change or change everything based on other people’s feedback. Neither extreme is good.
Writing is all about change, but they have to be the right changes for your book. And how do you know when they are the right changes? That, grasshopper, comes with experience and confidence. And you probably will never be 100% satisified, but you have to move on at some point.
And the entire publishing industry is changing with the advent of e-readers and digital content. The old rules are out the door and no one is sure what the new world will look like. If you fear change, then maybe writing isn’t for you.
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you can guess what I’m about to say.
Don’t be afraid of change. Make those cuts when needed. Try new things. Take the plunge and enjoy the ride.
How do you cope with change? And what advice do you have on how to deal with change?
Writing Secrets of 7 Scribes 
Great Post Casey!
I can honestly say, change is very difficult for me. I’m certain I’m not alone in saying that either. One of my coping mechanisms is getting outside. This clears my mind so I’m not fixated on the situation. The positive thoughts flow, and my perspective or outlook, whichever that may be, becomes brighter.
Here’s to sunny days. May they always shed light on your frustrating times!
Thanks Joy! I used to have a hard time with change too, but I’ve got more relaxed over the years. I agree, stepping outside can be like a great big reset button! Three cheers to sunshine and fresh air!
Great photo! I know how proud you must be. High School graduation is as much a milestone for parents as it is for young adults. It says, “Wow–we must have done something right.” Just like with our writing, we are never quite sure if we are doing the right thing with our babies.
Thanks for the pep talk. I’m feeling like the queen of change these days and terrified by the whole process. As you know, I’ve decided that resistance is futile. I’ve discovered that if I spent half as much energy embracing the changes as I do being afraid of and resisting them, I’d have a lot more energy to actually do all of the things required to make the changes…if that makes sense. It’s early…LOL
As my step son Brian says, “Cheers to change.” Kids are so smart!
Thanks PJ! There was a bit of teenage grumbling over the photo, but he got over it! And yes, I too have come to realize “resistance is futile”! That old adage is true, that the only thing we can control is ourselves! You’re about to embark on an exciting adventure and we Scribes are here to cheer you on!
Your post was just what I needed! I just finished reading my lastest work in progress and decided major change was needed. I used to be one of those writers who didn’t want to change things but lately(with the help of the scribes) I have learned to slash and burn my work as well as look at it through different eyes. Great post.
I’m glad I could help! Any time you need help weed-wacking your manuscript, I’ll be happy to help! As Joy and the other Scribes can attest to – one fear I don’t have is hacking up my book (or telling you where I think you can slash)!
It’s funny you should mention this. I’ve been given a second chance with an editor, but I need to make some changes. I have to say, so far, these changes feel right, so I’m moving forward with them. I will continue to pray, though that they will be for the better, and not set me back any further.
Change can be good, but that doesn’t mean it makes it right.
That is great news Katie!! Awesome!
I got this off Dean Wesley Smith’s site. I re-read it from time to time because it’s so simple, yet true:
Heinlein’s Rules:
1) Write
2) Finish what you write.
3) Never rewrite unless to editorial demand. (Harlen Coban adds – and only if you agree with it!)
4) Mail what you write to someone who can buy it.
5) Keep it in the mail until someone buys it.
Good luck!
I have the great good fortune of having a mother who liked change. She was always interested in anything she had not seen, tried, tasted or visited before. It kept her young. I hope to always follow her example.
Hi Toni!! Those are great rules to live by. And it probably makes life a lot more fun in the process! Thanks for sharing.
Nothing ever stays the same whether you want it to or not. My oldest boy is hitting his senior year in high school and is already so darn independent. My daughter (junior in college) was way easier to send off into the world, probably because she wasn’t as independent. I know that sounds weird.
That is so true! Well said.
Thanks Casey. Yes, it’s so, change can be tough, but my mother told me I could do anything and be anything I wanted. It clearly made it possible for me to dabble until I found my heart’s desire(s). I adore learning and ripping apart imperfection. I do also enjoy closure, so I find I must have time-lines in finalizing. I like your new look. Gail I
Hi Gail! Your mother was right. You can do anything. I just checked out your webpage – your artwork is breathtaking!!
Eloquently said. They say writing is rewriting, but not ALL rewriting is good. Knowing what to touch and what to leave alone comes with experience AND confidence in yourself. The former comes with putting words on paper day after day. The latter comes with connecting with positive people (like you) and celebrating successes, however small.
Awww, thanks Peter! I will definitely keep your words in mind after I complete my latest draft and start re-reading it.