Branching out with my writing
Granted, some listeners might require a little more encouragement than others.
And remember yesterday’s advice to ‘be interesting’?
You stand a really good chance with this demographic. Just give it a little time.
You’re not just a writer of novels or blog posts or weekly columns.
You are a listener. You’re a storyteller. You condense thoughts. You cut through blather and deliver a message. You’re a narrator. You ask the right questions. You catch details most people glide right past.
There is a need for you and your talents.
Take a look here and here. As a great man once said, “Hey, ya never know!”
This chapter is killing me!
A whine emanates from the other room. He knows…
A little he-and-I time wouldn’t hurt.
A deadly whimper-whine combination.
Stop right there! You know deep down once you leave that keyboard, there’s little chance you’re coming back, not even to turn things off.
Aim for a quick win, or at least a compromise. Set the timer for 20 minutes. You power through till the buzzer goes off and then Droopy-Eyed Ralph can get his walk.
Other anti-distraction tips:
http://published.com/magazine/how-to-create-distraction-free-writing-life
…and for those with family members who can’t read ‘Do Not Disturb’ signs and who claim to not understand clearly-stated boundaries: http://www.diyauthor.com/distraction-working-home-when-you-have-pets/ .
Though there is something to be said for an occasional mindfulness minute or stretch break. [Not a bad idea, however, to warn others of your upcoming ‘private time’. They’ll thank you for that.]
Loved ones will block your progress.
Stand your ground.
Let them know that your work comes first and that guilt trips are counterproductive.
Then go ahead, drop everything, and yield to their every demand.
Find a new audience today for your latest chapter.
Yes, your border collie will do just fine. 
Take note of when he:
Had to say goodbye to Boo last week. Cancer.
As the photo suggests, he was my career counselor.
We have no kids, so there you go–he was our boy.
September 11, 2012– Seems like just yesterday when he hopped in our car in the parking lot of SafeHaven Humane Society. I placed a dog cookie on my shoulder and waited…all of about two seconds. He took the cue…and the cookie…and he was ours.
When you say goodbye to your pet, you’re not just feeling the loss and the emptiness, and, for many of us, wishing we could rewrite the script for his, and your, benefit.
You’re closing a chapter in your life. In this case, an abbreviated chapter.
Thanks, Boo. I’ll miss your spirited, though unsolicited, paw shakes during afternoon snack time and, most of all, your enthusiastic front-door greetings.
As always, I feel blessed you joined our home.
Word Inventions