Thursday, September 1, 2011
Here’s what I love and hate about life: it changes. No matter who you are or where you live, that’s the one thing you can count on. As one of my character’s says, “Life is not stagnant. It’s always moving, changing, evolving. You can either ride the tide or get pummeled trying to stop the waves.”
I am reminding myself of this right now because I’m in the midst of some big life changes—moving a thousand miles away from family, community, friends… going from a cul de sac to a mountainside… starting over.
Change is both scary and exciting. And it’s definitely bittersweet. But there are some interesting things happening—and a part of my soul that has been quite placid and comfortable of late is tingling, waking up to the possibilities. Change incites emotion, adrenaline, adventure… all good fodder for writing.
Perhaps that’s why so many stories in literature, especially YA, are about change. It is something we can all relate to. Growing up happens, ready or not. Characters change their life philosophies, living situations, significant others, or personalities. That’s what makes it fun, nerve-wracking, interesting and yeah, bittersweet.
Some days I wonder ... Is it the “right” thing? Will I regret it? There’s no way to know. What I do know is that it’s useless to try and stop the tide. Plus, new views, both literal and figurative, are definitely inspiring!In your favorite books, or the book you’re writing right now, what kinds of changes do the characters go through? Do they fight it or ride the tide? How does it turn out? What inspires them? What inspires you?
Thanks for reading and enjoy the photos…
Ingrid
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Stephanie, Ingrid, Sarah & Kristan — we read, write, discuss and celebrate Young Adult lit.
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9 comments:
Ingrid, I am in love with your writing. I hope some agent stumbles upon this post and wants to snap you up!
The photos are gorgeous.
The book I'm reading right now is BEAUTIFUL by Amy Reed. Wow is it hard to read. So. Hard. A 13-year old girl is going through change--a move from one part of Seattle to another and she discovers she doesn't have to be the 'old' her where she's ugly and nobody knows her. But the 'new' her gets wrapped up in lots of scary scenarios. I want to reach into the book and pluck her out!
Change is everything. all good, all bad, and just so necessary. xx
This is a beautiful post and one I definitely relate to. My husband and I were best friends for six years before we started dating. We'd only been dating for two months when we decided to move from everyone and everything we knew in our Alabama town to Denver, CO.
We decided we would leave in three weeks...and we did. It was the scariest thing I've ever done, but only good has come from it. Change is difficult, crazy, and scary. I was essentially forcing myself to grow, and it worked. Best of luck to you on your journey. If your mountainside happens to be in Colorado, let me know!
I completely agree -- Change is something I both love and hate, too. It's a fabulously pervasive element in all novels, especially YA. Great, thought-provoking post!
Mary @ BookSwarm
Change definitely makes things happen. I love the photos. In a series of books I'm reading the main character finally accepts that change is inevitable but it's been interesting and fun watching her fight it up to this point. The quote from your character is great.
I just have to say it again - love the photos....sigh....the mountains.
Thanks, Sarah. I love your writing too. And I'm so intrigued. I want you to send me that book when you're done!
Courtney- What a great adventure you and your hubby had. But yes, scary too. Actually, my mountainside IS in Colorado! We should connect, have coffee at the Tattered Cover or something...
Glad you liked it, Mary!
Joelle - Come visit me :) And bring your camera.
Like Sarah, I love your writing. Even in this blog post, your lyricism and emotional insight shine through. I seriously thought that when I was reading it.
In my current manuscript, my protagonist definitely fights change at first. It's only at the end, when she realizes there's no turning back, that she learns how to work WITH the new elements in her life, and things get better.
Love the pics!
Great pics, and greatly worded post. <3 from a new follower
Fantastic post! It's funny that I came across it today because I've been making a lot of changes in my own life as of late, so it's a bit relieving to see I'm not the only one. Best of luck to you, Ingrid!
Somewhere between your lovely words and the photos I'm at a loss on what to say. I think I needed this post - thank you.
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