Why Writers Need Reinvention: Lessons From Starting Over (Again and Again)

From Edie: Discover why reinvention is essential for every writer. Explore how God uses detours, new beginnings, and courageous leaps of faith to shape your writing life and calling.

Why Writers Need Reinvention: Lessons From Starting Over (Again and Again)

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

I’ve reinvented myself more times than I can count. At this point, if reinvention were an Olympic sport, I’d probably have a medal. A bronze one—but still a medal. And if you’re wondering whether it’s ever too late to try something new, let me save you the suspense: absolutely not.

My first major reinvention happened in college. I was a premed student with color-coded binders, flashcards for my flashcards, and a well-practiced speech about becoming a doctor. Then one day, I woke up, looked at my organic chemistry notes, and realized I was deeply, passionately miserable. So, in what felt like an act of rebellion (or temporary insanity), I walked away from premed and declared a major in journalism.

My parents needed time to recover.

I threw myself into writing, convinced I was stepping onto a clearly marked path toward a dazzling career. After all, I was living in New York and I figured I would working for a major publisher, magazine, or newspaper in no time. Spoiler alert: the path was not clearly marked. Or paved. Or lit. While trying to get my footing, I took a job as a substitute teacher “just for a little while.” Famous last words.

I fell in love. Not in the romantic, violin-music kind of way, but in the these kids are amazing and exhausting and hilarious and I think I’ve found my people kind of way. Before long, I was back in school, earning my MA in education, and then teaching full-time.

Several years later, I decided that administration might be the next chapter. So, I packed my bags, relocated to Arizona, and spent years working on a doctorate in educational leadership and supervision. After graduating, I became an administrator. Then life happened in rapid succession: a third baby, a life-threatening illness, and a level of exhaustion I can only describe as “bone deep.”

That’s when my spouse made an offer that terrified me.

He said, “Take a sabbatical. Just one year. And go after your dream of working in publishing.”

One year turned into two. Then into more than two. I was working full-time in publishing before I fully realized I had jumped tracks again. And just when I finally felt comfortable—really comfortable—I did the unthinkable.

I opened a publishing company.

Yes. Another reinvention. Because why not?

I wish I could tell you that I navigated these transitions with elegance and strategic brilliance. I did not. I make more mistakes than anyone I know. Big ones. Loud ones. Ones that still make me cringe.

But here’s the beautiful thing: God used every single one of those detours, disasters, and reinventions. They became the scaffolding for the life I have now—a life woven with purpose, community, creativity, and lots of mistakes.

Along the way, I picked up a few lessons—mostly the hard way. You’re welcome.

1. Pray about everything.

I used to think prayer was for the big things—illness, job changes, the salvation of a wayward cousin. Now I pray about everything. From major decisions to tiny ones, like whether I’m supposed to say yes to a project or politely run away. Prayer keeps me aligned with God’s will instead of my whims.

2. Trust God with the dreams that scare you.

The biggest dreams are usually the ones that feel impossible. I've learned that if a dream terrifies me and requires God to show up in a big way, it’s probably worth pursuing. Faith isn’t comfortable. It’s courageous.

3. Don’t let people derail you.

Everyone has opinions. Some are helpful. Many are not. If I had listened to every voice that told me I was too late, too unqualified, too busy, or too uncertain, I’d still be stuck in my premed lab coat. Discernment is holy.

4. Stay grateful and be outrageously generous.

A grateful heart sees opportunities where others see obstacles. And generosity—whether time, money, or encouragement—has been one of the most transformative practices of my life. God has never failed to refill what I poured out.

5. Keep your priorities in the right place.

Work matters. Writing matters. Calling matters. But family, friendship, joy, and rest—they matter more. Play hard. Travel. Eat dessert. Spend time with people who make you laugh until your stomach hurts. And stay connected to the body of Christ. Isolation is creativity’s silent killer.

So here’s my encouragement to you:

Reinvent yourself. Again and again if needed. You’re not too old. You’re not too late. You’re not done.

The God who called you to write is creative enough to keep calling you into new chapters. Your job is simply to say yes—even if you’re scared, even if you feel unqualified, even if your track record looks like mine (a trail of beautiful, ridiculous, holy mess-ups).

Try something new. Leap in faith. Make a mistake or ten—and let God turn every single one into something glorious.

Your next reinvention might just be your best one yet.

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Why Writers Need Reinvention: Lessons From Starting Over (Again and Again) from @KHutch0767 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021). She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color),

AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 board and the 540 Writer’s Community board and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel to her first general market thriller novel. Her thriller A Fifth of the Story will debut in February 2024 through Endgame Press.

Katherine flourishes in developmental editing and coaching writers. She has a twenty-year career in education, leadership, and journalism. Katherine freelances as an educational consultant for charter schools, home school programs, and churches. In this role, she has written and edited curriculum, led program development, and helped manage growth facilitating and public relations. She also works as an editor and book coach through her consulting business. Katherine provides skill, accountability, and professionalism so clients can begin, develop, and finish their writing projects for publication.