The more things change
The more things change, the more they change. C’mon when things change they do not stay the same, if they did, people wouldn’t have problems transitioning, moving, even having to shop in a new store when another one closes. We like to shake it up a bit, but on our own terms.
I didn’t write much when my kids were little. I was busy scrapbooking I think. And watching Barney. And while things have changed drastically since then, I try not to focus on the drastic part of it. It’s all a matter of managing – or juggling transitions and changes – with as much grace as you can muster.
Same goes for writing. If everything in your story or article is the same it would get old really quick. So we have these things called paragraphs and chapters. Transitioning from one to the other is tricky sometimes, but should never be so drastic as to leave your reader skimming backward to see what he or she missed. You can jump – make a big change – but it should make sense and even evoke an ah-ha moment for the reader.
A good way to hear if your transitions are graceful is to read out loud. To yourself. You’ll know.
Do the way you handle change or transitions in real life parallel to the way you make transitions in your writing? Examples of both? Samples of any? I have had a modicum of success helping writers with transitions. Try me!
Here’s an example of writing about transitions and changes…hopefully with transitions that make sense.
Elmo and Clifford don’t live here anymore. My son outgrew Nick Jr. before Dora was born and long before the Backyardigans moved to town. The Power Rangers have no power here, and whether or not Pikachu has escaped the clutches of Team Rocket is no longer our concern. My kid doesn’t even have time to wonder who the Wonder Pets are. Three-ring-binders filled with Topps baseball cards gather dust bunnies under The Big Comfy Couch, while stacks of Arthur books and Beanie Babies have been relocated to Lazytown. The Daddy Daycare DVD is a coaster. OK, maybe he just put a cup on it because it was there. My son’s TV doesn’t even get the Disney Channel anymore.
Where has my world arrived? Right smack in the middle of male adolescence.
Read the rest of Filling His Size 13 Shoes here.
Great post! I often have troubles with transitions…. writing or in life… change is hard for me all the way around. I related about the shopping in a new store – it takes me a long time to like a store – basically the length of time it takes to memorize everything’s location…. I will pay more, drive farther or go without just to avoid an unfamilar grocery store!! Tomorrow there is a seminar running for my seniors at work “Transitional Stressors” I expect I might glean more insight then they will!!
Funny, in writing I like to but a *dash dash dash* in transitions. Not so easy in real life!! If change is slow and gives one time to adjust – without even realizing you’re adjusting it’s not so bad. But sudden change causes a lot of stress…especially for my 5 year old. He freaked when I bought a new napkin holder. Sigh. I think the dash dash dash maybe a big sigh or maybe a few sips of wine!
That would be “I like to use a *dash dash dash*”. Sorry…should really proofread before posting!!
Change…the great motivator. Loved your full article on parenting, BTW.
This is an interesting post Amy. My life changes have usually been acute, extreme and shocking. Do I write this way? Not always. A great deal depends on the type of story. Some stories require a jolt or two and I am huge fan of shock endings. I’ve always considered J.D. Salinger’s short story ‘A Perfect Day For Banana Fish’ to be an extraordinary example of this. Most of the time the subject matter also determines the type of transition. Every chapter is different as well, being somewhat dependant on what is occuring in the story and where it is in relation to the turning point. That question is definitely joggin’ my noggin though Amy!