If you haven’t taken a break today, grab that cup of coffee, sit down, and take a read. If coffee isn’t your cup of tea, go get one of those instead. Whatever we choose to drink that gives us that much needed lift and pause, it’s time to take a draught.

Today, I took a coffee break with a friend. Both of us were in need to share where we were on the paths we’ve chosen that started on a more scholarly path of academic writing. While my friend is still pursuing that path (and breaking new ground while doing it), I am at a crossroads between my former pursuits and my new, more creative journey.
This seems to be a trend with many of my friends lately. What do you do when you find yourself at a crossroads where your choices could take you one way or the other where either choice could produce something wonderful albeit different? One of the reasons I have yet to produce a full novel is my reticence – and frankly, fear – of taking a step one way or the other. I am finding more and more often that fear rings true with many who offer their ideas to the world, so I am in good company.
What came from the coffee, the caffeine buzz, and our discussion is a renewed fire that I am on the right path. Perhaps I even came out ahead as my friend let me know that I can actually bridge my former pursuits and combine them with my new creative objectives. My friend’s ability to make connections that I didn’t see quells my immense angst that holds me back. It may be that instead of having to choose between two roads, I do not have to go all Robert Frost in my decision. By crossing the bridge I can now see, I perceive that the two roads can merge into one.
Too much imagery for you? How’s this: The gauntlet has been thrown down, I’m picking it up, and the novel has its first words. May your coffee break be as refreshing.
Tagged: Break (work), Coffee, fiction, Inspiration, novel, Robert Frost, writing
You can use my daughters as a test audience for a book on fairies! Plus, they’re much more positive (I think) than the others. 🙂 Good luck!
Thanks! I’m still trying to decide if I’m writing for your daughters or for us older kids….time will tell. Thanks for following Chris!
I think you should write about Post-apocalyptic recovery that involves faries and witches. Could be December 22nd 2012, the day after the Myans fled for the hills.
Definitely think it should be all of the above.
I’ve been where you describe. It’s one of the hardest things to push through, that self-limiting fear.
Congratulations on finding your novel’s first words!