WHAT HAS BEEN MISSING
A Creative Life In Review
Much of the final months of each year often evoke a sense of urgency, missed opportunities, and a constant state of being overwhelmed. No matter how the past year went, I prefer to start the new year with a fresh perspective. Old goals are revisited and refined into more nuanced objectives. Some things and relationships are left behind, having served their purpose and season. There is also the excitement of new ideas and adventures. The arrival of a new year always sparks a sense of renewal and contemplation. This year, I aim to have a complete final draft of my manuscript, possibly by the early summer, Lord willing.
Over the past 18 months, I've struggled to identify what's missing in my novel. Is it the structure, pacing, voice, plot, or character development? Sometimes I wonder if it's just about rearranging scenes like a puzzle until the overall picture emerges. Honestly, it's a combination of all these elements and more. Some days, I feel overwhelmed by the gaps and flaws in my work, while on others, I see the challenge as exciting. Each issue I resolve gets me closer to my goal of becoming a published author and sharing my story with the world. But I am still learning, and sometimes old habits return.
Two important lessons have been at the forefront of my writing process. First, the importance of having my work critiqued. I have written before that having my writing read by other people is like taking a polar plunge. I dread the moment of vulnerability and exposure, but the positive results are evident. The constant pace of having work to be reviewed has also led to the accountability I have sorely needed. The second lesson has been to make a schedule for my writing. Sectioning off my novel (and any other writing) into manageable portions has been vital to improving consistency. There is satisfaction and humility in the practice. In one sense, I enjoy the triumph of another scene done and the novel continuing to take shape. The other is the understanding that much more still needs to be done.
One rewarding aspect of beginning to write is that the most common advice is to read extensively. It is recommended to read books on writing and to approach reading with a writer’s perspective, understanding which techniques to use and avoid. I have been avidly studying the craft of writing through various means—some in the form of guidance, personal anecdotes, and humor. Sometimes, I simply enjoy reading my favorite books, always paying attention to form, structure, plot, characters, themes, and more. Reading like a writer has not diminished the joy of reading; rather, it has deepened and enriched the experience. I used to approach the educational process for photography with dread, but with writing, I am constantly seeking it out.
With photography, I regularly watched online sessions, but many seemed to follow the trend of emulation rather than information about a good creative process. The density and manner of the lessons left me feeling inadequate and lacking confidence, both in my abilities as a photographer and my desire to continue the pursuit. When I shifted my focus to writing, I was conscious of avoiding the same mistakes as before and of finding new ways to learn. It has been easier to find webinars, classes, blogs, and courses that focus on a specific area of the writing industry. I recently attended a webinar about publishing hosted by Writer’s Digest and led by the notable Jane Friedman. The session was concise, clear, and informative. It was not a “mimic me” session with a formula for success, but it was an important and necessary part of the process. What caught my attention was my sense of empowerment and confidence while reviewing Publisher’s Marketplace—an industry website for traditional publishing. I should have little confidence as an unpublished writer, but instead, I am fairly brimming with belief in the fulfillment of my goal. I somehow know that I can do this!
Even in the toughest moments, like when I'm drained from my book or battling impostor syndrome, I eventually find a way to move forward. Once I stop feeling sorry for myself, I can improve my story and develop it into a better version. Watching my story take shape and my characters evolve over time is truly rewarding. It's exciting to see a story come to life! With photography, I could only revisit the same photos or edit a shoot so many times. But with a book, the possibilities are endless—so much so that I need to limit myself from rewriting too much. Eventually, the book must be finished.
If you asked me what the difference is, I couldn't give a definitive answer. I feel more confident, despite having no clear reason. Writing feels more therapeutic and leads to better results, yet capturing a powerful image is also exhilarating. I can't exactly identify why writing seems to suit me so well; I can only guess. Perhaps it's because I am older and hopefully wiser? While experience and age matter, they aren't the main causes. All I know is that writing provides a fulfillment that other projects haven't matched. Even without publication or a large following, I believe I have found my true calling.
As a photographer, I often felt something was missing from my work. I love the art form and have a natural eye for it, but I've realized that photography is better as a hobby or a complement to my other pursuits. In contrast, I feel more purpose and direction in writing. For years, I settled for pursuits that did not quite fit. I was constantly getting a sense that doors were closing and options were limited. But with writing, there have been so many moments where things have clicked into place. A pen and paper have felt more natural in my hands, and the process has been far more rewarding. Most importantly, writing gives me a sense of fulfillment. Even if I don't become a best-selling author, writing has filled a space that was lacking for so many years.
As a creative, have you ever felt a lack of purpose or sensed that something was missing? How did you identify what was lacking, and how did you change your approach to better align with your calling?
If you have a story you would like to share about making considerable changes in your creative journey, I would love to hear it.
