Amanda T. Fox

Every author in this world is different. From their styles to their genres, right down to their voices, and there can be no denying that those voices will change over time. Some become more seasoned, some spread among the vast reaches of the genres and possibilities until they have touched every one of them, and yet more will find new stories to tell, new worlds to create, and new people to meet. But the one thing that this author has learned is that with every book, there is a confidence that grows.
As I edit my latest work, I am struck by the differences in the story from the first few books I released in previous years. There is more emotion, more detail, more refinement and more clarity in many aspects of the book that I hadn’t seen until I began to read through the books I’ve written over the years. It’s something I think every author should do at least once, and never something that is meant to discourage, but to enlighten. To highlight how we have grown, how our voices have changed, and to find a way to be proud of ourselves for what we’ve accomplished.
Instead of seeing the mistakes, we can laugh about how new we were at things. Instead of lamenting the details that were missing or the plot holes we missed or the character arc we could have done, we can admire the beauty of growth, and the things we’ve learned along the way. It’s a moment to choose to say, “Wow, look what I’ve accomplished in my time as a writer.”
This is also a concept I believe can be applied to new writers as well, especially those who have been writing for a long time. It can be discouraging, especially with first works, to see weeks, months, perhaps years of work and continuously find the flaws in the story, but perhaps it’s all about a change in perspective. Instead of seeing those discouraging moments, perhaps see the chance to celebrate that you’ve noticed them and learned from your experiences as a writer and author.
It can be discouraging to see mistakes or inexperienced work, but to me, it’s a beautiful moment to say wow, look at what we’ve learned and accomplished. I’ve even had some fun updating some of my older books, adding to them and having the opportunity to relive some of the adventures alongside the characters I created in the beginning of my journey as an author. Reflection can be frustrating, but taking the opportunity to see how we’ve grown and appreciate where we’ve come from can ultimately help us to become the very best authors that we can be.
Until next week!

What’s something you’ve noticed has changed or grown since you began writing? Let me know in the comments below!