Presently, many of my writer friends are in a state of flux. All of them have been at this professional author gig for a while. Most of them have over a dozen books behind them. Some have many more than that. Others are pretty darn close. Regardless, they’re all in a similar place — they’re in the process of (or seriously contemplating) starting over.

The reasons why they’re turning over a new leaf are varied: a series didn’t do as well as the author (or their publisher) hoped, a series ended and the new direction the publisher wanted doesn’t suit the author, the author is pursuing a new direction that doesn’t suit the publisher, the author wants more money, the publisher wants to pay less money, the publisher isn’t satisfying the author with the level of support being offered, the author wants to take their career to the next level and the publisher isn’t making happen, the publisher is disappointed with the author and thinks it’s time to cut their losses…

Whatever the reason, it’s not easy for a writer to decide to throw out what they’ve accomplished so far and start from scratch. Sometimes it’s with a new genre. Sometimes it’s with a new name. Sometimes it’s with a new publisher, where a change in editorial direction and packaging can turn something old new again. For the writer it can feel like they’re slipping down a few rungs on a ladder they’ve climbed a long time. They wonder if their existing audience will follow them, or if they’ll start at Square One.

It’s a gamble and if it doesn’t work out well, a once promising career can stall. I have a few friends who’ve stalled a few times. I have others who are facing that situation for the first time. But the way they’re tackling their futures, with determination and willingness to reinvent, is the reason why they’ve sold so many stories in the past and why they’re certain to sell more stories in the future whatever the name or genre. In a business reliant on public opinion and popularity, it’s inevitable that adjustments must be made. Some big. Some small. Being fluid and adaptable is a requirement.

The sheer number of authors recently announcing new series, new genres, new names, and/or new publishers has been extraordinary. A sluggish economy and slow-to-adapt industry contribute greatly to the need for change, without a doubt. Yet how amazing it is that so many talented people are hanging in for the long haul. How wonderful are some of the stories of editors fighting for those talents, and publishers renewing their commitments to authors who are struggling through reinventions. The reasons why starting over is necessary may be unfortunate, but the way in which those new beginnings are being forged is really motivating.

I admire the resilience of my friends. I look forward to their new ventures. I applaud their can-do attitudes. And I’m sure as hell looking forward to the books they’re going to be writing. They can’t help but be fabulous with such strong creators at the helm!

©2010 Murder She Writes. All Rights Reserved.

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Yesterday, I was thinking about today being my blog day. Actually, it’s been on my mind since Friday. Karin also reminded me about the blog just before midnight. And still, when I went to bed at 3 AM PST, I’d completely forgotten about it. So sorry about that. I hate being a flake.

So what’s got me consumed? It’s a story. (which is awesome, considering how burned out I felt at the start of the year.) It first hit me about two months ago. I finally got a solid partial together last week and ran it by my agent. In the week since, I’ve been working eighteen-hour days tweaking and getting an outline written. While it’s been a lot of work, I’ve had the best time. It’s been a while since I was fired up to write and words flowed. Wow, it’s a magical feeling. It’s also a relief. There are authors who find that writing is no longer where their heart lies and they move on to other endeavors. I’ve wanted to be an author as long as I could remember. I was completely horrified by the thought of never being able to write again. Who would I be, if not a writer? What would give me as much joy?

This year, I’ve really taken to examining how I work and trying to pinpoint the things that hang me up as well as the things that move me forward. I rely on my writing income and I can’t afford to have stretches where I’m wiped out. One of my editors once said that a writing career is a marathon and not a sprint. How you fuel up and how wisely you expend energy directly impacts longevity. That’s been a difficult concept for me to grasp, I’m afraid. I’m often on the wrong side of the ambition/impatience equation. My thoughts were always, “Can’t I sprint to a certain point, then marathon the rest?” (I’m laughing at myself as I type that.) I also spent a lot of time spinning my wheels. Lack of guidance and a cohesive plan really cost me time and energy.

Recently, I considered some of the things that hang me up. Now I’m working on recognizing the things that kept me fired up this past week:

• I have a friend who is, amazingly, at a similar point in her career/life. Working on our proposals at the same time was really motivating.
• Discussing my plans and motivations with my agent, step-by-step. Knowing she’s on board and ready to rock is priceless for keeping focused.
• Following my creative time-schedule. If staying up until 3 AM is the way to get things done, so be it. I can take a nap later.

There’s more, I’m sure. I’m still analyzing… *g*

Do you examine what works for you, or have you in the past? Do you find that your needs change with every project or remain consistent?

Happy Monday! Are you reading anything fabulous this week?

Welcome to another Snippet Saturday! Today’s theme is about villains, the guys/gals we love to hate. There’s something about characters-behaving-badly that’s so much fun. I was recently on a panel (at Comic-Con, last week) and one of the questions was about favorite villains. I said Hannibal Lecter and The Joker (as played by Heath Ledger). How about you? Who’s your favorite?

Unfortunately, I’m on my laptop and my files are on my desktop, so I’ll be a little late posting my excerpt. (I’m on Pacific time, so early for me is still late for most everyone else.)

In the meantime, please visit the authors below. I hope you’ll come back later to get a taste of my bad guy.

For more delicious wickedness, visit the following authors: