At my stage of life (swiftly approaching the sixth decade, she mutters through gritted teeth), I have seen a lot of changes in the writing life. Are those changes threatening or freeing?
When I began writing seriously in 1989, just mastering the use of a computer as a writing tool was looked upon with admiration. I started with a small Mac, then a “pizza box” variety, then the huge blue iMac and finally a laptop.
Along with the progression of computers, I’ve learned much in the field of writing itself through on-line courses and websites at little or no cost and with easy accessibility.
Besides the actual writing, which used to be the main concern, there is the changeable nature of the publishing industry. Many longstanding publishing houses have been bought out or incorporated by others, or have folded. The self-publishing industry has evolved into an acceptable if unwieldy entity. What used to be the realm of specialists has become available to the individual writer.
There’s much to learn, and the information is at our fingertips. If we wish to self-publish an e-book, we need only search the internet for information and/or take a course on the subject, and our book is out there. One of the results of this freedom, which is being explored by royalty authors as well as unpubbed writers, is that of quality and standards. Are these standards changing too? How will these changes affect the written word?
One of the most challenging changes for me is social media. Although many people are currently and justifiably pleading with the general social-media-obsessed public to put away their devices in favor of eye-to-eye contact, there are good sides to social media. Like many other things in life (food, drink, entertainment, etc.), we must master them instead of allowing them to master us. Use the good; stamp out the bad.
I have “met” many interesting people through social media who I would not have met in any other way. For an introvert, the idea of connecting with a couple thousand people via my blog is much more acceptable and practical than trying to reach people in person.
A writing colleague is currently creating an e-book about Twitter. I’m excited to learn so I can make better use of that media connection. Let’s not be afraid of the possibilities.
Will we ever learn all there is to learn? Of course not. Is it worth the effort? I believe it is, whether to improve our skills, promote our work and that of others, or to keep our brains busy. My hero is my mother, who at 91 years of age uses her iPad for internet searches, you tube, reading, listening to music, checking the weather and keeping up with family. More power to you, Mom, and thanks for the example. Life is a-Twitter with possibilities.
Janice L. Dick 
Jan, you mention the glut of lesser quality publications. Very true. However, I’m finding that in some self-published books and blogs, while the writing may not be top-notch, the story, the information, the message is wonderful. I’m more than willing to wade through a bit of grammatical mire to hear someone’s heart.
Choosing what technology or media routes to go is, I believe, a matter of discernment. I don’t have to buy in just because it exists. However, I shouldn’t dismiss new innovations either. Everything is worth looking into.
It all makes life complicated in new ways, but all of it is an adventure!
You’re right, Bobbi. We can view all these challenges as difficulties or as an adventure, and the latter makes it much more fun. As to “wading through a bit of grammatical mire to hear someone’s heart,” I see what you mean, but I’m really bothered by poor presentation, and am not as willing to wade through too much. I try, not always successfully I’ll admit, to give a polished impression to my writing, and I guess I expect others to do their best at that too. Good thing some are more tolerant than others!
Thanks for your comment.
Yes, Jan, it is a race to keep up with technology. At least I feel like it is. I’m one of those in their sixth decade and I haven’t made the switch yet to an i-pad so kudos to your mom! I have a question of a side-line nature and it’s about the picture you included in this post. Is this your computer or is this a stock photo? I only ask because I’ve recently changed the resolution on my computer to make it easier on my eyes. After a few hours or so, they get tired and refuse to focus anymore – my clue to get up and do something else for a while, and that’s with using a program that makes me rest them every half hour. My son tells me he’s changed his computer at work to a black screen with white text to make it easier on his eyes, so in view or recent conversations here, I immediately noticed your picture – the black screen. Is this something that you use at home? Just wondering what other people do.