auria “Hussein” cortes

I wrote a scene for my book, The Devil’s Playground (working title), and sent it off to a dear friend of mine. In my email, I criticized my writing and asked for his opinion. He promptly responded with, “I disagree with your assessment that its inclusion seems forced. I think you worked it in there just fine.”

I should have been elated, right? Well, I wasn’t. The reason? I was looking for an excuse to procrastinate – to call it a day – and enjoy a ReeseSticks Wafer Bar. Have you ever tried one? They are light, airy wafers filled with peanut butter and covered in chocolate.  

Now, doesn’t that sound like a more enjoyable activity than sitting in front of a computer while your inner critic creeps in and whispers putdowns in your subconscious?  

In my email response to my friend I wrote, “really? i have to stop being so hard on myself. thanks for your input.”  

Convinced that the scene doesn’t work (despite my friend’s opinion that it does and my proclamation to take it easy on myself) I continued writing half-heartedly.

While struggling with ways I can completely change the piece, I receive another email from my friend that read, “heh heh heh - you said hard on.” 

At that moment it occurred to me that I shouldn’t take myself or my writing so seriously. Sometimes it takes a friend with kindergarten humor to help you get out of your rut (whatever that may be) so you can move on to the next scene.

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