Hi there, guys and dolls! Well, I have to admit, my head’s just swimming. Sometimes it’s as if a swarm of bees are buzzing around in there. The truth is, my girls have so many ideas about different things, projects, plans, life in general it sometimes just gets all mixed up.

They’re working on the latest book, and it’s coming along, but they also have plans for other series that they want to do, more in the current series, the general fun and frivolity they give to me,  and other side projects that need attention, oh yes, and then every day life as well.

And sometimes it gets a bit muddled, and a person just doesn’t know where to begin, or which pen to pick up. The best thing to do at that point? Stop, drop and roll (although duck and cover comes to mind…).

Take a deep breath, go for a walk, take a pleasant distraction such as a favorite show or a good and goofy conversation about nothing. Give yourself permission to be multi-faceted, to be developing, shifting and changing at all times, instead of cursing it and trying to stop and deny all the inspiration that comes to you in various guises and at random times. Let them take your attention and see where your mind wanders.

It’s almost like panning for gold. Swirl around with the muck and mire, then see what’s left, bright and shiny, standing out in all its glory. Then pick up those pieces and see where they fit and what they will bring to you.

Get the thoughts and various plans on paper. Don’t censor or try to be too orderly – that’ll kill any goodness in it. Get everything out, play and relax. Don’t worry – stuff will show you where it fits if you just let it. And then you’ll know where to begin, or pick up right where you are.

Toodles,

Barbara Jean