About a decade ago, following the release of my third book, I found myself in a very strange season.
After a year and a half of drafting and editing and blog tours and book releases and marketing endeavors, my first publishing contract had run its course. The Angel Eyes trilogy was out in the world and my part in its release was done.
My publisher had passed on my next project, and though they invited me to continue pitching ideas, I didn’t even know how to do that. More, I didn’t want to keep generating content just to wait and wait and wait on their decision. I wanted to sink my teeth into a new story because I loved the idea, and then refuse to let go until I’d completed it. That felt like the kind of author I wanted to be.
Working the way they’d suggested–pitching idea after idea until one stuck–illuminated the half-truth that authors are little more than one cog in the publishing machine, and it wasn’t at all how I wanted to view myself, my writing, or the dedicated professionals I’d been privileged to work with.
So, I said no. I would write what I wanted to write and pitch the story then.
Thus began a stretch of disconnected, unproductive months. I wrote when I could, scrapping ideas and starting again. Discouraged, adrift without a deadline, and thoroughly exhausted.
See, writing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. I was raising a family as well, and they needed me. My kids needed me. My husband needed me. Publishing, on the other hand, had no problem chugging along without my help, and I wondered then if I should give up writing altogether.
But how do you know? How do you know when it’s time to walk away from a thing you love? There’s a good answer to this question, friends, but it might not be what you think it is, and hand on my heart, it has nothing to do with failure.
These days, when I stand before young writers, a good portion of my encouragement is to keep your eyes up, keep your feet moving, and don’t begrudge the journey. These are lessons I learned because despite all my doubts, when it got hard, I kept my eyes up, I kept my feet moving, and as I did, I learned to appreciate the journey.
A huge part of my journey was finding Go Teen Writers. Well, really, they found me. Jill and I had been in touch–she’d read my first book and reached out, thus beginning our friendship. I can’t remember when I met Steph–not exactly–but I’d been using their book to teach writing classes for a time, and I remember vividly when she and Jill asked if I’d join Go Teen Writers as a regular blogger.
It was a lifeline, friends. They didn’t know it, but I was flailing. I needed something to ground me, an outlet, a schedule. And Go Teen Writers came with a schedule! Back then, we each posted once a week. Which meant I needed to be at my desk writing and completing something of quality four times a month. It was the schedule I needed. The focus. The accountability. And I got to pursue it while working alongside two of the loveliest authors.
Slowly, my writing calendar took on gravity again. I carved out time because I’d said I would. And what was initially a way for me to stay connected to publishing, to other writers, and to a writing schedule, became so much more. Go Teen Writers was a community, is a community, and they welcomed me with open arms.
During my time at Go Teen Writers, we’ve been featured seven years running in Writers Digest as a 101 Best Website For Writers selection (chosen again just this month!), we’ve written a craft book together, and I’ve completed three additional novels, two of which are published.
It’s been an incredibly fruitful time, and if my calendar would allow it, I’d stay forever.
But that’s how I know it’s time to step away. There simply aren’t enough hours in the month to accomplish all I’ve taken on this last year, and some of it can’t be carved up. The season I’ve landed in now has required new things of me, things I know God is asking me to prioritize: an expanded role at my church, my own writing, and the changing needs of my family.
That’s the key, friends. You know it’s time to walk away from something you love, when staying the course would cost you the things you absolutely must prioritize.
For me, that means setting aside writing instruction for a time, both here and in person. I can’t say, with any certainty, what that will look like for me down the road, but in the immediate, it means I won’t be posting regularly here at Go Teen Writers. I’ll be cheering you all on, shouting your praises, and continuing to encourage where I can, but the time and energy I’ve spent blogging each month, must be redirected.
It wasn’t an easy decision to make–walking away from time spent with precious friends–but it’s the reality of journeying with others. We never know how long we’ll have together before necessity requires we take a different bend in the road. And that’s where I’ve found myself. I can’t do what needs doing unless I go, and as hard as that is, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for my time here, and my chest bursting with hope for all that will continue to happen at Go Teen Writers.
This is a beautiful, encouraging, thriving community of growing writers, and it pulled me in just when I needed it. I’ll always consider myself one of you. I’ll pop in when I can, and I’m easy to find on social media, so don’t be a stranger. Instagram is my favorite, but I’ll drop all my links here for you.
Remember friends, keep your eyes up, keep your feet moving, and don’t begrudge the journey. You’ll make wonderful friends along the way–friends who will take your hand when it’s dark, and lead you forward into the light. The world needs honest stories, and you need a community to encourage you on your way. There’s no better place for that than Go Teen Writers.
Shannon Dittemore is an author and speaker. Her books include the Angel Eyes trilogy, a supernatural foray into the realm of angels and demons, as well as the fantastical adventure novel Winter, White and Wicked. Its sequel, Rebel, Brave and Brutal is due out January 10, 2023.
Shannon’s stories feature strong female leads grappling with fear and faith as they venture into the wilds of the unknown. She’s often wondered if she’s writing her own quest for bravery again and again.
It’s a choice she values highly. Bravery. And she’s never more inspired than when young people ball up their fist and punch fear in the face.
To that end, Shannon takes great joy in working with young writers, both in person and online at Go Teen Writers, an instructional blog recognized by Writer’s Digest four years running as a “101 Best Websites for Writers” selection.
For more about Shannon and her books, please visit her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Even from the start, this post was really moving for me in a sort of bittersweet way. When I finally realized what you were saying, my heart dropped. Tears filled my eyes but I understood. I really and truly understood. I hope this doesn’t sound like I want you to be guilty because I don’t.
I deeply appreciate all that you’ve done for us here and will miss you terribly. But go and have fun with whatever life brings next!
Thank you, Emmy. I appreciate the well wishes (and your kind-hearted tears; I cried too) and will be cheering you on!
We love you, Shannon, and are so grateful for your friendship and your contributions to Go Teen Writers and to the YA fantasy genre. You will be missed. ❤️
Thank you, friend. I’m so glad you found me.
Shannon, you have been such a gift to Go Teen Writers and to me. I’m sad for us, but I’m excited to see what unfolds for you in this next chapter. Don’t be a stranger!
I think I was here when you started writing for Go Teen Writers! I saw the title of the blog post, even though it’s been some time since I’ve regularly stopped by here I still am sad to see you ago. (A bittersweet kind of sad. I’m happy for you, but it’s sad to see you go, you’re part of the team here!) I think I already follow you on Instagram but I’ll double check. I wish you well on all your adventures!
Thank you, Steph. You’ve built something beautiful here. Thank you for inviting me in.
Shannon, your posts and advice have helped me and my sister to grow exponentially in our writing journey, and we will truly miss you. Good luck and God bless.
Thank you, Verity! Please don’t be a stranger. I’ll be around, and I’ll be cheering the two of you on. God bless, friend.
I’ve been reading Go Teen Writers since 2011 when I was 15. I’m now 27, and I still read the blog because I find it helpful and encouraging on my writing journey. I remember when you joined the blog, Shannon, and your posts have been so helpful to me over the years. This post made me emotional and I just wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done. As a whole, Go Teen Writers had truly been such a pivotal part of my adolescence and is part of my core memories. But specifically, you brought a perspective to GTW that I always appreciated. Your work here has truly mattered and was woven into the fabric of my life in ways I don’t even know that I can articulate. Thank you so much for everything, and good luck on all your new adventures!
Don’t make me cry, Sky!!! Thank you, truly. Your kind words mean more than you know. I’m so glad we could connect through words. I wish you everyday adventures, and all the words you’ll ever need.
NOOOO I went in thinking this would be a theoretical post but it’s noooot
I remember Go Teen Writers before you came along, Shannon … but you’ve been a part of this blog so long that it won’t be the same without you. Thank you for all the things you’ve done over the years here 🙂 🙁 🙂 🙁
Thank you, Matthew! I did sort of start out theoretical, didn’t I? I appreciate your kindness toward me and the welcoming way you all invited me in. It mattered in ways I can’t fully explain.
We will miss you, Mrs. Dittemore.❤ Thank you so much for all your wonderful posts here at Go Teen Writers! May you be blessed wherever God leads you.
Thank you, Katherine! I wish you the absolute best in your writing and in the day to day living that makes the writing so rich.
I’ll miss you, but wish you the best. I admire people who really look at their priorities and have the courage to make hard decisions when needed.
It is hard, isn’t it? But necessary at times. Thank you for those encouraging words. Wishing you all the best, Tonya!
Your posts have been so informative and encouraging. God bless you as you move into a new season!
Thank you so much, Glynis! Cheering you on as well.
As William Shakespear wrote, parting is such sweet sorrow. I feel sad, because you have helped us all in many ways, but I am excited for your future. Thank you so much for everything, and God bless.
It is such a sweet sorrow, isn’t it, Eliza? Thank you for this. Blessings to you as well.
You’ve helped me so much through your books, thank you for everything. I’m so sad to see you leave, but still happy for you at the same time.
Awww you will be missed! Thank you for all you’ve done and may God bless you in the years ahead! ❤️
Aw, wow, I can’t imagine Goteenwriters without you! Maybe you can do a guest post every now and then? I’m glad you are following God’s Call though; there is no thing more important. I’ll be praying for you! You will be missed so much.
We’ll miss you, Shannon! Thank you for your insightful information and tips! I will be sure to read your fantastic books soon!