All You Need...

There's something wonderful about having another writer to talk to about writing.

It's even better when that other writer is your daughter.

Last night, we were relaxing in the living room. I was trying to describe to her how I had this mental block that I couldn't seem to get through with my latest novel. She kept nodding her head because she understood.

Then she said, "I have a problem with delay. I always delay writing. I want to write but there are other things I do first."

I replied, "You procrastinate."

"I like the word delay better."

I agreed. It did sound better than procrastinating.

Her eyes suddenly lit up. "I know! Let's light all the candles in the living room, turn out the lights, and write."

Even though I wasn't sure this would break down my mental block, I said yes. After all, who doesn't want to spend time writing with their daughter?

We doused the lights, lit all the candles, and we each started working on our respective laptops (her grandpa gave her a used one for Christmas which helps tremendously since we don't have to share mine any more!). I fiddled with my manuscript while she typed away, and I thought about retreating to my "fun" project instead of tackling the current novel. Yet something held me back, and as I kept fiddling, suddenly, it happened.

The words broke through.

I was delighted to be typing again, and was once more invested in my characters and their drama. Glorious.

And all I needed was a little prayer, a few candles, and an awesome writing buddy.