I wish I was writing an update saying I was on chapter ten of my current WIP, unfortunately I’m still on chapter two. But life happens, and I have learned to take it in stride.
My thoughts these few weeks have been on helping my son prepare to move across the country again and on providing him with solid writing advice to take with him. His writing journey is his own to discover, and it will be as unique as he is.
There are as many different ways to write as there are authors, and everyone seems to think their way is only way!
As I mused on this, some advice a dear old friend gave me came to mind, and with a tweak or two, it fit perfect: ‘every writer has their own way of doing things and every writer believes their way is the right way. **Find what works for you!’. The only thing I would add, is listen and learn from others’ mistakes and successes, and adapt to fit you.
And from there, I have shared all the notes with my son from my masterclasses, pinterest, and my mentor. The only advice left to give him is that life happens and, when it does, set your book aside, it will still be there waiting when you come back to it. Don’t toss it out, remember how long it took for me to publish Kaylee’s Adventures!
I’m proud of my son for so many reasons! I’m proud of all that he has overcome. I’m proud of the man he is, for graduating university, for standing up for himself, and for being true to who he is. And now I can add to my list that I am proud of him for tackling the nightmare process of outlining and doing character profiles! He’s working the process and I’m thrilled and honoured to have the privilege to walk it with him.
I’m going to miss him when he moves to the other side of the country to follow his dreams.
Tanya Packer 