Chapter 1: The Journey of an Artist

Every character in your narratives—whether in stories, screenplays, or memoirs—must confront challenges along their path. These hurdles are essential for character development. A simple method to visualize this evolution is to note the patterns of struggle in your margins, alternating between negative and positive experiences. Sometimes, characters may become stagnant, resembling old curmudgeons who have lost their ability to trust. Allow me to illustrate this with a personal example.

The growth we seek can arise from acknowledging our flaws and incorporating that growth into our characters, ultimately assisting us in our personal journeys.

Let’s reflect on my past self and how I’ve navigated the impulse to react negatively to my current supportive relationships.

Begin…

Understanding the Mark

A "mark" refers to an easy target. Why might a prominent author choose to follow a newcomer who has just entered the online sphere? The answer is simple: they are as easy to exploit as taking candy from a child. In this context, the new writer's work may be taken and repurposed in the thief's own projects, similar to enjoying an appetizer before discarding the source. The newcomer may find themselves abruptly abandoned, left in a state of shock. This method, effective in oppressive environments, is troubling.

While there is some truth in this observation, it’s crucial to remember that not every situation unfolds this way.

Continue…

Once they gain the trust of the unsuspecting artist, those donning the guise of friendship weave their deceptive web. After securing a few chapters of a work-in-progress, an outline for a screenplay, or even song lyrics, they sever ties, having appropriated the artist’s intellectual property—notes, scenes, sketches—all gone without a trace.

Indeed, the artist who suffers this betrayal is often the one who retreats rather than learning from the experience.

Be cautious of harsh self-criticism. This mindset can lead to further harm.

Proceed, oh wise one…

They’ve ensnared the unsuspecting novice, collecting their treasures. These items are then slightly altered before the thief claims them as their own, like a car that’s been stolen and given a new coat of paint. Perhaps it transforms into an international endeavor, complete with a French title.

This situation is quite amusing, isn’t it?

Continue…

Be wary of sharing your memoir chapters too freely; they could vanish into a void where deceitful individuals exploit the naïve artist until they are left with nothing, losing their homes, spiraling into despair, or worse—taking on mundane jobs like banking or insurance sales. What a tragedy.

This character embodies their worst fears, indeed.

Continue…

After reaching out to the Library of Congress and copyright authorities, I realize that a quick update will suffice to protect my work.

Got it! What’s next?

But heed this caution, you trusting and innocent souls: those on the other side of the screen may harbor true demons.

Remember to address your own flaws before casting judgment on others.

Alternatively, they may be your greatest allies, here to guide you through experience. Navigating this terrain can feel like being blindfolded.

Here’s one last quip for the purger-in-chief…

When a quality article doesn’t see the light of day, it’s likely in the hands of someone who wishes to claim it for their own.

It’s been a journey,

Wait, it hasn’t been a journey; the injured artist in the narrative is merely repeating a familiar cycle. Having been a victim of past traumas, she projects her fears onto new collaborators until she recognizes that no harm is intended. Only then can she relax, reminiscent of Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, when faced with adversity until he realizes he is safe again.

JuJu petals! There they are!

And thus, the character transcends past grievances. There is no need for outbursts against former injuries, as the character has gained wisdom and returned home.

Artists must learn to trust their new collaborators and supporters while keeping past lessons in mind. After all, the game of life was introduced to us long ago.

Thank you, I take a bow.

©️ Julie Handy

Chapter 2: Overcoming Betrayal and Finding Trust

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