When Life Changes, the Story Does Too.

S. Jennifer Paulson
Oct 21
5 min read

Updated: Oct 22

I had a plan. But then, the universe told me that’s not how it was going to work.

S. Jennifer Paulson published her first book in 2024. Her second is in the works, but taking a little longer. Life, you know...

A year ago, I thought I had this thing called life figured out. I had a plan, a rhythm, a version of “normal” that made sense.

Then life threw me a curveball (again). Suddenly, I was standing in the middle of a story I didn’t write, wondering, “Now what do I do?”

So here I am, at 50, feeling like I’m starting from scratch. Again. What happened? Wasn’t I supposed to have this life thing figured out by now?

The truth is, I don’t. And I suspect, I’m not alone.

We all start with a vision for our lives. I know I sure did.

At 24, I was determined to be a newspaper reporter at a daily paper, specifically in my dream state of Florida — and I made it happen. I worked hard, chased deadlines, and felt like I was living my dream. I got married. Had two babies. And pictured a ten-year anniversary trip to Hawaii, drinks with umbrellas, and two people who had it all figured out.

That didn’t happen. Money was tight, and with two little kids, there were plenty of expenses. Eventually, we got divorced in 2013. My happily-ever-after didn’t turn out the way I planned.

But I was determined to rebound. And, eventually, I did.

Still, life hasn’t been a straight line. I’ve had my share of ups and downs. I’ve rebuilt more than once, only to have my progress go up in proverbial flames. Really? Again?

But one thing never left me — the desire to write. And keep writing, no matter where the journey takes me.

Woman typing at laptop — Writers, don't give up! Someone's got to make it. Why *not* you?

I write, therefore I am

For years, I thought I had what it took. But I also kinda doubted it. The stats are out there.

Like most authors, I’m up against a lot. Only 1–2% of writers “make it.” Riches are far from guaranteed — most full-time authors make a hair under $13,000 a year. And these are indie authors who devote their full time to writing.

That alone shows being an author is not glitz and glamor. It’s passion for the craft. A yearning to tell stories. A calling, really. A feeling in your gut that says, “Even if I don’t make it, keep going. Till I die.”

Because it’s who I am. A storyteller. One who hopes you’ll pick up my debut novel and love it — and anxiously await for the next tale. I can promise, they’re coming.

A lot of other authors I’ve talked to said the secret is pumping out stories. one book after another. Some crank out three or four a year!

While this is a way to remain relevant and keep your name in front of readers, is it realistic? Is anyone else working full-time, going to grad school, trying to run a household and feed their bottomless pit of a teenage son?

Yeah, all that — plus some additional life surprises — have me a little rattled. And concerned. I am writing a second book, and I’m pumped about publishing it.

I just don’t know exactly when that will be.

Like life, writing’s a learning curve

I spent nearly a decade working on Boomerang, my psychological thriller about a woman, reeling from the sudden, shocking death of her husband, who discovers his written confession for a past crime he committed. She becomes obsessed with unearthing the truth and making sure he didn’t “ruin” the life of person he targeted.

Writing Boomerang took longer than I ever expected, but I didn’t give up. And when I finally held that book in my hands, it felt like more than just an accomplishment. It was proof that even when life derails your plans, you can still build something beautiful from the wreckage.

The other night, I came across a TikTok clip from the classic ’80s sitcom Family Ties — a goodbye scene between Alex (Michael J. Fox) and his mom, Elyse (Meredith Baxter). I don’t care that it’s from 1989. It still rings true. And then there’s that line that stopped me cold. I’ve tried to put what having an adult child leaving the nest feels in words. It doesn’t get better than this:

“I feel like I’m standing on something real high and, looking down at all the pieces of my life...and I can see who I am. And I see this, this very big part of me that makes me who I am , I see that part breaking away. I know that it’s right. I know that it’s supposed to happen. But I don’t want to let go.”

That’s exactly right. To look at your life, see all the things that have changed, and realize you can’t go back. Sometimes, it’s how you raised your kids. Or maybe it’s a career you botched. A relationship you thought would last you till the end of time — but little did you know, it was for only a season. But through it, you learned. And you just have to keep going.

Writing has been my anchor through every version of myself — young reporter, columnist, communications professional, mom, divorcee, author, woman in transition. It’s how I make sense of things that don’t make sense.

It’s been over a year since I sold books at a community event. When I saw a recent call for authors to take part in Book Fest in the Village, spearheaded by the Brevard Authors Society, I felt the pull.

It’s time.

Because at the Nov. 8 event in Cocoa Village, Florida, I’m not just going to be an author signing books. I’m someone who’s lived a lot, learned a lot, and is still figuring it out.

I’ve loved hard. Worked hard. I’ve been hurt. And people continue to disappoint me. But I keep going. If you’re finding yourself on a similar path, maybe it’s time to take the reins again, no matter what your passion is. Because you want to. And because you can.

Life is just too short. But it’s a life that can be so beautiful when we can cut past the chatter, the naysayers, the know-it-alls — and just live it. Fearlessly.

Originally published on Medium by S. Jennifer Paulson.

✨ S. Jennifer Paulson is the author of the psychological thriller “Boomerang,” the upcoming novel “How I Wonder,” and lots more in the works.