Accidental: occurring unexpectedly or by chance
I didn’t expect to become a novelist, and by chance I was inspired and encouraged in that direction. It was a very “happy accident,” because when I landed in this new world, it was as if all my experiences had organically brought me to this point. I took a circuitous route, but everything along the way has served me well.
It wasn’t just by chance, however. I got where I am now by perseverance, passion, focus, commitment, appreciation, and joy. By choosing better habits. Those were conscious decisions (Yes, even the joy. I believe living in joy is a choice.), not accidents.
So, I decided it was time to shed the “accidental” identity and make a few changes around here, because I intend to stay for a while. It’s not so much a renovation as a paint job and some new curtains.
Welcome to “writing to support my teaching habit!”
So, did you get where you are on a straight and narrow path, knowing what you were going to do by the age of 12? Or did you take the circuitous route, like me? Flitting from one creative passion to the next until you found your way? Or are you still looking?
I knew at 16 for sure that I wanted to be a writer. But the route between that and getting serious about it last year was long and circuitous, largely do to fear. Now? Found my way and loving this journey. 🙂
Fear is definitely a factor for many, I’m sure, who want to pursue creative arts. I knew I wanted to write a young age – When I was in high school I thought I was going to be a poet and teach literature in a university.
By the age of 14 I had already written an adventure/sleuthing book. Unfortunately it never got published because I left home at the age of 16 and it didn’t, due to the survival mode in which I was living at the time. Life took over and I am now writing my life story about leaving a religious cult.
And a great story it will be! I’m looking forward to its final incarnation as a book! 🙂
I’ve definitely flitted about, but have enjoyed all my flitting. Writing is so fun though; I’ll probably stick with this one longer than other ‘flittings’.. I like your new theme/brand/whatever.
Thanks, Char. I’ve enjoyed my flittings as well. I’ve always done what I enjoyed and none of it was a waste of time. I can’t imagine what it’s like to work tirelessly at a career one hates for an extended period of time.
I can certainly understand why you might want to update your brand/identity/platform. I have thought about my own brand as 4amWriter — do I intend to always be known as that? Right now, I write at that time because it’s the only time of the day I have free. So, hopefully, as I get better at this gig (i.e., published) I will be able to find a more reasonable time to write. This would certainly affect my brand…
I like your new “look” 🙂
I bet there are plenty of published writers who write at odd hours, either staying up late or getting up early. I used to write poetry until 2 am. Although, I understand the urge to change brands once published. It wasn’t easy for me to change. I was very attached to being The Accidental Novelist.