Always Have A Back Up Plan

This post is actually motivated by a pretty sad experience. This last weekend, I had the opportunity to watch my daughter graduate from Cazenovia College. Like any father, this was an extremely exciting and proud moment... until you know more of the story.

This year is the last graduation ceremony they will ever have after 200 years. Pre-Covid-19, they made a push to really build up the college. This required a loan that should have worked out. 

It didn't.

Right at the end of the first semester this year, they announced that they were closing the college. They could not pay back the loan. This meant that seniors, as long as they didn't have any screw up would graduate. All Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshman could transfer to schools that had agreements with the college with no problems. 

On top of this, it meant that EVERY employee is now out of a job. Even if they were tenured professors, their careers were over.

Now with that set up, let me get to the post.

I watched a news broadcast reporting on the college, and they interviewed students and staff. It was clear they were going for a single message, that I think is important to all writers.

Every person the talked to said two things:

1. Be flexible
2. Have a back up plan

Both of these ideas are 100% important for any writer who wants to make it in this business. 

First of all, be flexible. Yes we get you love your story, but be flexible. If an editor or agent wants to change things to make it marketable then be flexible.

Secondly, don't just stick to your original plans. If you need to make adjustments then do so. If you need to throw out that story then go for it. 

Again, I fully get that you love your story, but remember it is OK to change and adjust. 

Now, for all of you wish the graduates and those moving on from Cazenovia College all the best!