March 10, 2009
So far this week, working out at the YMCA has helped me clear up two problems with my current novel. Yesterday, I was struggling to figure out which direction to go with a certain scene…and a good swim in the Y’s pool cleared my head and helped me come up with some solid ideas. Today, I faced a similar dilemma. Something was bothering me about the scene I was writing, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Then, when I left the office to walk to the Y, the exact nature of what was bothering me popped into my mind. After a good session of step aerobics and a walk back to the office, I came up with a plan that would alleviate the problem I’d found. The point of all this is to illustrate the value of stepping away from the writing and getting some exercise periodically, especially if you’re facing an issue that seems unsolvable. If you’ve got the proverbial Gordian knot on your word processor screen, go for a brisk walk or swim or some hardcore aerobics or whatever. Not only take your conscious mind off the creative issue, but get some serious oxygenated blood flowing to the brain. Chances are, you’ll go back and sit down, and the answer to your issue will magically appear before you. Ah, the glorious subconscious mind.
Now for today’s travel photo. This one’s a shot of my dad and me at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. We’re at Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in Tennessee at 6,643 feet. The date is August 12, 1998. Did I mention I keep good records of my travels? See you tomorrow!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, 1998
