Jess and I were recently on vacation, and I had no inclination to do any work. I didn’t bring my laptop, and my phone wasn’t working right so I couldn’t even check emails, so PERFECT.
One rainy afternoon we stopped in at a beachside cafe to let the storm pass. Jess was watching everyone inside and I was watching the storm outside, and suddenly I had AN IDEA.
They sneak up on me in all kinds of places.
Although they almost never show up when I’m at my desk waiting patiently for them.
I had a pen with me but not a notebook. You’d think the Queen of Journal Collecting would have a notebook on hand.
But no.
I grab a napkin and get to work. But it turns out that I don’t have just one idea, I have a whole book blooming in my brain.
Me: You have got to pin these suckers down the minute they show up.
Jess: What?
Me (scribbling madly): Ideas! Corner them, tree them, whatever, but write those suckers down!
Jess: Okay. Good to know.
Me: More napkins!!!
Jess: Whole dispenser right here.
Me: My god I am so screwed if these get rained on.
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I’ve gathered together all my fall classes for editors and writers (for both aspiring and more experienced folks) in one place. Check them out!
My collection of travel stories, Travels with Jessica, is now available! Kindle and paperback here; other ebook formats here. And I’ve published my essay “For Jessica” as a small book. Kindle and paperback here; other ebook formats here.