November? Seriously? Is it possible that I haven’t posted since mid-November? Well goodness, that is shameful.

I’m still here and am quite busy with lots of pregnant mamas and brand new babies. Because of this, I rarely have time to post over here. If you want to keep up with me real-time, my facebook page has all of my current work.

Here’s just one of those new little lives I’ve photographed recently.

We’ve all heard it before. You are what you eat. I’ve always hated this phrase because if it’s true, based on what I consume the most of, I’d be a 24 ounce cup of bubbly, fizzy soda pop. I like to think there’s more to me than the massive amounts of Diet Coke I down each day, and I’m quite certain there is.

So if I could change it, I’d coin my own term by adding just a few extra letters to the original phrase. You are what you create.

We all create on a daily basis whether we are aware of it or not. From choosing our children’s outfits for school to organizing a dinner menu, our brains are constantly putting things together, constantly creating on levels both large and small.

It’s in our blood to create. It’s who we are. Just look all around at the creation that surrounds us. There’s creativity at work even in the littlest of things. Watch a spider as it dexterously weaves its web, fashioning an intricate tapestry of thread. Watch a toddler as he stacks his colorful wooden blocks to form a tower as tall as he. In nearly everything we do, there is some level of creativity pouring out of us.

Sometimes our creations are solely for ourselves. Other times they are intended for others. And sometimes, what begins as a creation meant to satisfy an inner desire, a drive to try something new, turns into something that others get the chance to experience as well.

When I wrote TRACED I wasn’t even sure that anyone’s eyes other than my own would ever see it. I felt compelled to get the words out, felt led to fabricate this story that was filling my mind and keeping me awake at night. But what’s interesting about creating something is that we’re wired to want to share it. For those that play an instrument, composing a piece and playing it for others is the ultimate use of their gift. For those that love cooking, there is nothing more satisfying than preparing a four course meal for friends and family. When we create, we want others to share in the culmination of our efforts.

But sharing can be scary. Terrifying, actually. When we create, it’s something that’s in us that comes out. There’s a vulnerability in letting others in, in putting yourself out there. Because when you do, you’re inviting critique. You’re inviting assessment. Because just as much as it’s in our nature to create, it’s in our nature to formulate opinions based on those creations. And that’s a great thing. These opinions are what shape us, what define our likes and dislikes, our preferences and our tastes.

And we all have differences of opinion, which is what makes us unique. I know I wouldn’t want to live in a world where we were all the same, where we all liked the same things. Difference of opinion–and having that freedom–is even at the heart of our society. We’re allowed the choice to support something, to like something, and to even dislike it.

What’s harder is being on the receiving end of those differences. I’d experienced it with my photography–known that not everyone would love my style, the way I photographed, or even the subjects I chose to photograph. But I forced myself to not take it personally. So they didn’t like one photo–no biggie. I liked it and my client loved it and that’s who I created it for.

So I figured writing a book wouldn’t be all that different. I mean, of course I knew there are people that don’t like the dystopian genre. There are those that aren’t fond of love triangles where the protagonist has to choose between two equally likeable guys. There are some that just don’t like young adult fiction. I got that because there are plenty of literary works that aren’t my cup of tea, either. I have my preferences, too. So I figured I’d easily be able to separate myself from the reviews, both good and bad. Shouldn’t be too hard now, should it?

Umm…wrong.

Feedback is powerful thing. Hearing that someone loves the story, that they connected with the characters and can’t wait to read more about their journey ushers in a feeling that is nearly indescribable. It’s the applause for the musician after he has played his composition. It’s the five star review for the chef that prepared a meal with his own hands. It’s the knowledge that something you poured yourself into was well received. That the risk you took in opening yourself up–in exposing yourself–was entirely worth it.

Will everyone like your creation? No, of course not. That just comes with the (incredibly scary) territory. But you’ll never know unless you put yourself out there. If you don’t try out for that school play, if you don’t paint that mural, if you don’t write that book, you’ll never know. And to me, never knowing is even more frightening than the fear of potential failure.

So keep creating, keep sharing, and keep critiquing. And who knows, maybe your willingness to shed your own fears will one day lead someone else to step out and do the same. And even if that’s the only thing that results from your attempt at vulnerability, then it’s entirely worth it in my opinion.

Just wanted to share over here that until midnight tonight, the Kindle version of Traced is available on amazon for FREE! Be sure to snag your copy and spread the word! (Feel free to pin the image below, too!)

A little over a year ago I turned 30.

It wasn’t scary–I wasn’t dreading the day, wishing to hold onto my twenties for just a bit longer. I was at peace with growing older. I liked the credibility and stability that came with it. I liked the stage of life I was in. I felt comfortable, established, and great about turning the big 3-0. And what I loved most about it was that I knew who I was. No more trying to create myself, trying to figure out what I stood for. No, Megan Squires felt pretty darn complete.

But you know what I realized? Life is fluid. And for as much as I thought I had discovered all there was to know about myself, I was drastically wrong. I had no idea that there were dreams tucked away in my heart and my brain that were waiting to burst out. One of those dreams that completely took me by surprise was the desire to write a book. Yes, I’d always enjoyed writing, but sitting down and penning an entire novel never crossed my mind. Until one night when a friend of mine said she needed a book to read. I don’t know if I took that as a challenge, but what transpired from that point on still gives me chills. I was up literally all night, constructing an outline, creating characters, and falling in love with the newly-formed story taking shape in my head.

Fast forward about nine months and here I sit with my very own book in my hands. With my name on the cover. With my words on the pages. It’s a dream realized that I didn’t even know was there. I’d felt content and comfortable in this little life of mine. But you know what I’ve discovered? That’s boring. Sure, it’s safe, but what’s the fun in that? Writing a book is one of the scariest things I’ve ever done, and I’ve loved every aspect of it. Having this story out there for anyone to read and critique feels incredibly exposing, but that’s part of what makes it worth it. I didn’t write it so it could sit in a file on my computer, or even in the form of a paperback on my shelf. I wrote it so others could possibly be entertained, escape reality for a bit, and join this world of mine.

I took a chance with a camera and a dream a little over four years ago and I’m beyond blessed that I did. So I’m taking another chance, this time with a pen and paper. I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

If you’re interested in young adult fiction, I’d love for you to check out Traced: Part One of The Outlier Chronicles (www.theoutlierchronicles.com) available in both paperback and kindle versions.

So I’m beyond thrilled to actually be part of the teaching process as a Mentor. I’ve had the privilege of creating and teaching a natural light course, and can’t wait for the upcoming run of this workshop. If you’ve ever struggled to shoot due to Mother Nature’s mood, this is the class for you. We cover everything from wind to rain, to full sun, to sunset. If cloudy skies force you inside and backlighting makes you squirm with nerves, then this class is the perfect fit to push you to step outside of your creative comfort zone. I absolutely love to teach this course, and can’t wait for the August 27th run. There are still a few spots left, so hurry and sign up while you can so when those rain clouds come this fall, you’ll be confident and capable of effectively incorporating them into the atmospheric tone of your image! (Note: You do not need to be a member of clickinmoms to sign up for this course.)

To SIGN UP for your seat in the August 27th run, go HERE.

I love brand new babies.

And brand new babies with amazing hair? Doesn’t get much better than that!