Roll with the Changes

by Mindy Obenhaus

If you’re like me, the title of this post has tunes of REO Speedwagon drifting through your head. I love that song. 

But I digress.

Change is inevitable. Seasons change, times change, our bodies change... Some people welcome change while others avoid it like the plague. Wherever you are on the spectrum, change is certain. Even, or should I say especially, in the world of publishing.

When I started writing, one of the first things I learned was that change was a part of writing. Cutting too much backstory in the first chapter, reworking scenes to show and not tell. And those were okay, but there were still phrases or certain lines I’d hold tightly to because they were just too good to let go. Oh, and that title? It was perfect.

Then I got my first contract. Those lines I loved? My editor wasn’t so crazy about them. And my title? Gone, replaced with something I wouldn’t have considered in a million years. I quickly learned that change is a given in the publishing industry. New houses/lines open, while others slowly fade away. Titles rarely stay the same and revisions/edits are unavoidable. You may be asked to change names, even settings. 

What’s a writer to do?

Be Flexible – This is probably the most important piece of advice writers will ever receive. And one that can easily be forgotten. Especially when you open up your first round of edits and see that your baby has been cut to pieces and is covered in colored lines and comments. You gasp for air and scream, “Nooooooooo…!” At least that’s what I’ve heard. Not that I’ve ever done anything like that.

Once you’ve had time to calm down, open up your manuscript again, read through your editors notes with an open mind and then start making those changes. Don’t ever dig-in your heels and refuse to accept any changes. Industry people talk, and you don’t want to be labeled as someone who is difficult to work with. Is it okay to question the editors on some things? Yes, just be sure you do it in a respectful manner. After all, they’ve published a lot more books than you have. They know what works/sells and what doesn’t, so it’s usually best to heed their advice.

Understand that Change Keeps Us from Growing Stagnant – When my editor recently asked me to set my next series somewhere besides Ouray, Colorado, I felt as though a long-time love affair was coming to an end. My first nine books had all been set in this town that I love so much. Yet the more I thought about it, the more I realized the wisdom of her request. A different setting would keep my stories from becoming stale. I could explore new and unique things to incorporate into, not only, my stories, but their characters as well. Now I have the opportunity to do something fresh. And fresh is always better.

Reach for the Stars – More often than not, change takes us out of our comfort zone. Which is usually why we’re so reluctant to give in. But when we embrace change, it also stretches us, loosening things up, allowing us to reach farther. Change challenges us to accept that it’s God who is in charge, not us. And He has a plan. A plan to prosper and not harm us. Remember, if He calls us, He will equip us. We are never alone, especially when we follow His lead.

How do you feel about change? Do you roll with it or does it take your breath away? Leave a comment to be entered to win an advanced copy of my September release, Reunited in the Rockies.

A fresh start…and an old love reignited?

A Rocky Mountain Heroes romance

For widow Kayla Bradshaw, restoring a historic Colorado hotel means a better life for her and her soon-to-arrive baby. But she needs construction help from Jude Stephens, the love she lost through a misunderstanding. Working with Kayla, the police officer finds himself forgiving her—and longing to rebuild her shattered confidence. But can they trust each other to forge a future together?

Three-time Carol Award nominee, Mindy Obenhaus, writes contemporary romance for Love Inspired Books. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren at her Texas ranch. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com