Transformations and New Roles

People are works in progress. We learn, experience new things, change jobs, homes, or relationships. Sometimes, as with COVID-19, change is dumped on us.

Retirement has given me a wonderful lifestyle change. But even before it began on June 1st, I felt a transformation coming that went beyond not driving up to the university five days a week. I knew I would become a grandparent, and that I would probably volunteer, and yes, both those things have now happened.

Ellie, shortly after her birth

I’m thrilled to announce that my granddaughter, Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Debra MacNeil was born this past weekend, and that I’m now officially part of the exceedingly special grandparent club. After my daughter’s maternity leave ends next July, I’ll be doing a lot of babysitting so she can resume her career. As a writer, all I need is a laptop, and I can work anywhere, so it’s all good.

Which brings me to my second transformation. As some of you know, I’ve been working on a lengthy urban fantasy novel for some time. Retirement has allowed me to work on it for longer periods each day which has helped me figure out continuity glitches and so forth.

But a new idea for a mystery series has also sprung up and won’t let go, at least yet. I’m making notes and thinking about it, often while doing household chores and yard work. I’m also wondering if it’s time to say goodbye to the Casey Holland series, or perhaps put it on hiatus.

I do have a Casey novella planned for release next year, but after that it might be time to move on. This new series idea, plus the fantasy novel will keep me busy enough, and I do love the idea of exploring something new, so we’ll see. Like most transformations, it will require much more thought and reflection.

Meanwhile, after many years of coloring my hair, I’ve decided to let that go too. I like the silver that started coming in during the first few weeks of  COVID. When I finally got to the hairdresser in June, I decided I want to keep it, so I’m in another transition there :).

Other transformations are coming down the road, but they are too far away to dwell on right now. Personally, I’m not afraid of change, as I believe it’s a crucial part of learning and growing. This grandma’s a lifelong learner, and in some ways I’m just getting started.

Author: debrapurdykong

I'm a British Columbia author who's been writing for over 30 years. My volunteer experiences, criminology diploma, and various jobs, inspired me to write mysteries set in BC’s Lower Mainland. Employment as a campus security patrol and communications officer provide the background for my my Casey Holland transit security novels. I'm also a part-time facilitator in Creative Writing Workshops through Port Moody's Recreation program. Feel free to contact me at dpurdykong@gmail.com

16 thoughts on “Transformations and New Roles”

  1. Congratulations Grandma for embracing all that life has to offer including our time as wise women. Ellie is wonderful! The birth of a child and the birth of a new series just naturally fit together. Your muses are calling! Blessings~

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  2. Ellie is beautiful. I love newborns…. You must be ecstatic! What a prospect — all those years seeing her grow up and discovering what she’s really like inside! I loved it when my g’kids each began to talk.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, I can’t wait to watch her grow. When I held her last night, she went right to sleep and stayed that way for over an hour. Brandon and Elida were amazed. I told them that it comes with experience 🙂

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  5. Hi Grandma Debra, how exciting that you look ahead. Change is unavoidable, so much better that we acknowledge that fact. Change in fact is the one constant in life. New hobbies, and opportunities ahead for you, how exciting that you have more flexibility now. Choodavidse how you use your time and plan the experiences and places you can enjoy while you are healthy. All the best –

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  7. Lot of changes! Congratulations on your grandchild. What an event! Mine is still years away (my kids fault; not mine). I understand the nagging of a new series. My prehistoric fiction series pushed my beloved thriller series right out of the way. I even had the next drafted but it just doesn’t matter when something grabs your attention. If you are looking for a street team for your novella, count me in. Just let me know when it’s ready.

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