Managing A New Career Change

By Tina Shepardson​

Many of us have became writers as our second career. Whether we were former teachers, lawyers, health care workers, we all shared something in common: a love of books and children. Easy to do right? Hmmm… As I would soon discover, large transitions take on a new level of time management and structure. So many feelings as I moved forward to Dream Job #2. 

Here are a few thoughts and tips if you find yourself mapping out the same: Good articles can help inspire you as you begin anew. I took some time to be read great articles by authors who could help me start from scratch. This terrific article by Tara Lazar offers amazing direction and suggestions: https://taralazar.com/2012/02/26/how-to-become-a-childrens-author/

Any new change can be overwhelming. I was leaving a 33 year structured classroom life for an
open day, every day. I needed to fill it with quality writing related activities. Some things that
have helped tremendously are a weekly/monthly wall planner and pocket planner. One I can see
every time I am working and the other travels with me wherever I go. Sunday afternoons I spend
time organizing my week. There are so many great choices and styles to choose from. Check out
a few examples below:

Wall Planner: https://www.amazon.com/Brands-Magnetic-Erase-Calendar-
Inches/dp/B072C8XRVH/ref=sr_1_29?crid=2X97ZM77UAGD&keywords=dry%2Berase%2Bgl ass%2Bboard%2Bmonth&qid=1655995225&s=office- products&sprefix=dry%2Berase%2Bglass%2Bboard%2Bmonth%2Coffice-
products%2C94&sr=1-29&th=1

Planners: There are so many varieties thankfully, and some may even select a digital
planner. Take a look:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=planners+for+authors%2Fwriters&crid=2LXEGQQ2NUNHW&sprefix=planners+for+authors%2Fwriters%2Caps%2C99&ref=nb_sb_noss .c. 

The last big area to tackle was the HOW… I never sat as a teacher, now I sit all day. The ice
cream and coffee scream at me for visits all day long! Kidding, but I had to grow into this for
sure. I find it is best to set the microwave timer every 50 minutes to get up and walk around. I
leave my phone in the car so it is no where near me. Some terrific suggestions are offered in
these articles: https://authornews.penguinrandomhouse.com/five-ways-to-eliminate-distractions-
during-your-writing-sessions/ and https://www.inandoutorganizing.ca/post/less-distraction-
working-from-home

An award-winning teacher for 33 years, Tina was privileged to share her love of books with many students.
She released her first picture book, WALKOUT, with Clear Fork Publishing in 2020. Set to release in 2022,
is Tina’s chapter book, CANINES UNLEASHED. Tina is a Co-Assistant Regional Advisor with SCBWI’s
West/Central Upstate Region, an active member of 12×12, and a Rate Your Story judge. Now you can find
her writing full-time, at all times of the day with coffee, chocolate, and her fluffy dogs nearby. When Tina,
a winter enthusiast, isn’t writing, she enjoys Central New York and the Catskills with her husband,
daughter, and two Akitas, one snowstorm at a time. Find her online at www.tinashepardson.com.