There's a lot to be said for having the flexibility to pull of a reinvention.
People who are constantly changing are doing one of two things. They are either changing because they're dissatisfied with themselves, or they are changing because they are growing. Only one of these is healthy.
People undergo changes on a daily basis. We dodge. We weave. We make do with who we are and what we do. This is imperative. If we don't adapt, we risk being left behind.
But there are some things we simply don't need to change. I've touched on this before in my "Square Peg, Round Hole" post http://chryscat.blogspot.com/2005/05/square-peground-hole.html#comments
I often wonder about authors who reinvent themselves. I love James Patterson. His "Alex Cross" novels are wonderful. I haven't heard anything good about his foray into romance. But I give him big points for exploring another avenue. BIG POINTS. He's taking a new path and stepping in a new direction. He's growing.
Catherine Coulter pulled it off big time when she went from romance to thriller. I absolutely love both these genres from her. Once again, very canny.
But what about the author who frantically searches for his/her spot? They're not even rooted, and yet they continually are searching for that sunshine.
You have to have roots before you can grow. You have to be someone before you can reinvent yourself. I don't mean literally. We're all someone. I mean professionally. Dig in with both hands and embrace who you are. Explore every avenue. Do not give up. If you half-ass give everything a try, you've committed to nothing. And you deserve more. Demand it.
And when you've found your literary home, and you're comfy, then go on vacation every once in awhile. And see who else you can be.
Grins*
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
I think before reinventing yourself, you have to challenge yourself as a writer. Whatever daunts you or intimidates you--that's what you should be writing.
Great post! I also think that before you challege yourself as a writer, you need to find your niche. But, though on a much smaller scale, maybe we're growing, changing as writers with every line we write, as we change as persons with every breath we take and every thought that passes through our mind. Just, um, a thought that passed through my mind.
I think as we're learning to write, we might try different types of books to find out what our voice is, what kind of books we're good at and that speak to us. I know it took me quite awhile to figure out what type of books I wanted to be when I grew up *g
Michelle: I would snatch myself bald. I know my limitations. And I can stretch, but I can't stretch THAT far. A historical or regency? Oh Lord. I'd need to be medicated.
Nancy: Thanks! I really believe in what I said. To me, it just makes sense.
Olga: I just adore you. Yes. Very well said. But we have to have a base before we can have layers.
Kacey: Exactly. I wanted to write chick lit SO bad because that's all I was hearing about. Guess what? I can't. I'm so down to earth I leave a trail of dust when I walk. I don't understand fashion. I'm HOPELESS at it. That's why I try to broaden my horizons with what I know.
Grins*
Great post! And I agree with Kacey, it's tough to figure out what's "right" for us as beginning writers. Sometimes I still wonder if I'm doing the right thing. But I'm sticking with it anyway. *g*
Oh, great post!! I've always said it would really help if someone would just tell me what I want to be when I grow up! And what is 'right' for me in my writing?
Good food for thought today.
I'm still trying to figure out what kind of writer I am. It really is difficult. When I first started writing, I knew exaclty what kind of writer I was and the genre. But the longer I write, the tougher it gets to define.
Amy: I have no doubt you're on the right track. How's that clothes shopping thing going?
Katie: Yes. Do you ever get the "click" that says, "YES! WRITE THIS!" It's rather like the Hallelujah Chorus in your head.
Rene: Oh my. Are you wanting to branch out to other genres? Maybe you want to explore some new territory.
Grins*
Great post! And so true. You have to know who you are and where you've been, before you can shift directions. If not you're going in circles.
A great author without direction is like a sea captain without a compass. You know land's there somewhere, but you're not sure where. Heh
Grins*
Post a Comment