“Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose…”

This proverb of French origin used by the French novelist Alphonse Karr (1808-90), translates to, “The more things change, the more they remain the same.”

An Indie author who revived a dormant flair for writing when I retired from a teaching career in elementary education, my life has since taken many unforeseen detours. Although no one is exempt from challenges or setbacks, most writers find the strength and determination to finish the story they started, however long it takes.

Fulfilling a dream requires work!

After publishing my first book in 2008, it took approximately 8 years of writing spurts for me to finish my second novel in the genre of Contemporary, 'An Enlightening Quiche' (2016; 370 pgs. – digital format).

In retrospect, after having undergone a midlife renaissance, I see the similarities between both professions, as articulated by the aforementioned proverb in the title.


Time factor:

Teaching requires devoting many additional hours outside of those spent in the classroom. Being a published author is practically a 24-hr. proposition when you consider the variable of marketing.


Self-Discipline:

In elementary education, a teacher must plan detailed lessons for multiple subjects every single day, along with possessing the mental fortitude to switch gears should any one of those lessons fizzle with the students.

An author—foremost, a “writer,” by trade—must ply himself/herself to the craft every single day, along with possessing the mental acuity to scrap what doesn’t ring true for storytelling.


Relevancy:

A teacher must tailor lessons and material to his/her students’ needs and interests.

A writer must tailor an engaging story to a target audience.

Thick Skin:

Just as a teacher cannot let unruly students ruffle feathers—you know, “Never let them see you sweat”—a published author cannot wallow in mean-spirited, negative book reviews.

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Purportedly, Horace said, “Life grants nothing to us mortals without hard work.”

Hence, the more things change…