This morning I was sitting at my desk in the office/guest room with my feet propped on the bed, deep in thought about what kind of vehicle my white-collar criminal would drive, and how the police would find it in the wilds of Los Angeles. Oblivious to my surroundings, I stared into space for a good ten minutes in hopes the idea fairy would visit.
When I returned to this day and time, my gaze focused on the debris scattered across the bed: A candy cane I abandoned when I gave up sugar. The blue elephant-print headband I use when my hair is driving me crazy. A copy of The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression. Notes from a critique session.
Suddenly it hit me:
I am an author.
Every day I get to make up characters and settings and plots that make me smile.
I get to research every detail that occurs to me, be it the advent of Hindi Pop or a war monument in New York City.
I get to work and play with other authors who encourage and advise me.
I am about to publish my second book. And after that, a third book. And after that, a new set of characters altogether.
Oh my goodness, what a privilege!
And yes, I really should clean off that bed.
And what a terrific author you are !
Thank you!
I love the way you took time to be really thankful, Jane! If we all could just take a minute out of the day and look around and remember all the things we’re thankful for, how much better our days would be! Thanks for the reminder!
You are so right, Pat! What a good reminder.