Some years ago when my beloved cocker spaniel, Barney, was still alive, I was at the park picking up after him. After observing me do this, a child of about eight approached and ask, "What's it feel like?" Not knowing to what he referred I said, "What does what feel like?" He pointed to my plastic bag, "The poop. What's it feel like to touch?" Never having thought about it, I had to think a moment before answering.

Today, as I pursue a writing career, I realize how much like children good writers really are. They're curious about things most of us take for granted, creating exquisite descriptions, making even the mundane sublime. As I labor on my current manuscript, I remind myself to mimic that child and remember to ask what poop feels like.

Because ... I say. But why? he says. Why not? I respond, not knowing how to answer. Then I add, have you ever danced and thrilled to the beat? Or played an instrument and were amazed by the sounds you made?
Writing's a bit like that: the rhythm of syllables and the imagery of newly minted words. Think of the writer as a dancer, musician or artist. Most do not choose to write for monetary gain or fame. Like them, I write because it's who I am. Consider this: Why do birds sing or children laugh? It's who they are. I have friends who are writers, musicians, artists, poets, face painters, one whose passion is restoring small airplanes. And you? What sets your heart on fire?

Last week I spoke about my need for solitude and realized writers, perhaps more than most people, need to recharge from time to time. The very nature of their work requires an intense pouring out of their soul week after week, day after day, hour after hour. It's only natural they occasionally need to take a page from children who "go play" and come back refreshed. So when the joy is gone and drudgery is all that remains, remember to stop and feed your soul: listen to music; read a captivating book ("Halifax" comes to mind); visit good friends; reconnect with nature; and spend time meditating. Then come back renewed in mind and body, ready to begin anew. Incidentally, this advice isn't for writers alone, it applies to everyone. So have a great weekend and don't feel guilty about taking well-earned time off to relax. Your life and work will be better for it. Now I'm going to take my own advice and go to see a movie!