I can’t lie.

All the writing motivation in the world cannot avoid the fact writing just doesn’t happen all the time. Like when you’re sick.

Today, I’m dealing with a head cold. It could be worse. I’ve HAD worse. But when the sinuses are inflamed and I’m sneezing every few minutes, it’s hard to concentrate on ideas and words and thoughts and how all that can be combined into a productive day of writing.

I have an outline I’m trying to write for an upcoming book I’d like to see published.Yet, I have the document open, hiding among tabs of websites and various programs open on my desktop.

Social media keeps beckoning me – almost as if the congestion in my nose is some kind of magnetic device, leading me from the work at hand, pleading with me to relax and watch more “Reich and Sondheim: In Conversation and Performance” because I cannot get over the fact I’ve never heard the music from ‘Pacific Overtures’ before and cannot get “Someone In a Tree” out of my head.

Harper Lee died today. That’s been on my mind. ‘Mockingbird’ is my favorite novel.  President Obama said today via the First Lady’s Twitter account, “When Harper Lee sat down to write ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, she wasn’t seeking awards or fame. She was an country girl who wanted to tell an honest story about life as she saw it.”

So true.

It’s days like today – a Friday, a head cold day, a day of distractions outweighing concentration, that make it a challenge to write that honest story about  our world. Or my world.

But, I’m doing something. I still have the intention. I’m picking at the words of my outline with respect and honor, not beating myself up because I can’t find the flow.

There’s always tomorrow. Besides, it’s not bad to seek out inspiration from other artists (like Sondheim and Lee) to stimulate the creative energy.

Sometimes just getting the words out by way of a blog can help.  Blogs like these allow you to confide to the internet – a virtual sounding board where you know that someone out there will read you.

Blogs are wonderful tools to allow writers to promote themselves, help others and, when used well, provide a space for the writer to write with ease, especially on days when they can’t find the juice.

Well, you know that. That’s why you are here.

So, as I write one word here and there, I know there will be better days.

Hey, I wrote this, didn’t I?

Just keep the intention out there as a writer. Know you’ll be back better than ever tomorrow.