Is Your Writing Breakthrough Right In Front of You?

I’d been hearing chirping all morning but thought it was something on the computer. Then a ball of winged chaos came from the fireplace. It looked like a wren and I have no clue how it got into my writing cave. But the terrified little bird taught me an interesting writing lesson.

Panicky and flitting, the feathery mass banged off the windows, turning my once quiet room inside out. I quickly removed screens from two windows and tried to guide the bird out, but of course he avoided me as if I were a big snake. For several minutes the bird raced back and forth between rooms, desperately flinging itself at the windows I had not opened and ignoring the ones I had.

The lesson should already be obvious. I was the key to this creature’s freedom. I meant it no harm. I provided its means of escape. And yet it continued to try all the other—closed—avenues.

“C’mon, dude,” I muttered, “I’m trying to help.”

Finally I guided the bird to the open window. I’m pretty sure  I heard it chirp a swear word as it escaped.

So now I’m back at the keyboard, happy to be back in my element and sensing an open window in my current novel is nearby. I pound the keys and chase the still small voice reminding me, “C’mon, dude, I’m trying to help.”

Are you overlooking the obvious resources in your life that can help you up and over your current hurdles? List five power sources, let’s share!

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