Writer's Survival Guide 21: Let's Pretend
Last week, I reclaimed my home office. I'm incredibly blessed to have dedicated space just for my writing. In the summers, I usually take my work downstairs, on account of our dog and the kids. We don't allow our mini-dachshund upstairs unless the doors are closed since she can hide under beds and be naughty.
However, when school is back in, I close the bedroom doors and allow Sophie upstairs.
So I was sitting at my desk, reveling in the awesomeness that is my large desk, my pencil holder, my printer, my closet full of books and office supplies, and my comfy chair (notice how selfish I sound? After years and years of sharing everything with my kids, I'm embracing the selfishness!), and I looked out the two corner windows (two!!). I saw trees towering in the distance, and I thought it would be terribly easy to pretend I'm in Colorado or somewhere mountainous.
Let me clarify. I live in a very flat part of the earth. We may have an occasional hill, but nothing our vehicles would strain to climb. Mountains are as exotic as palm trees here.
But squinting at the tree line, it was simple to transplant my house out west. And when I did, it was even easier to imagine I could drive to Pike's Peak this afternoon. Maybe even pull over and grab a handful of red clay so prevalent in the area? Catch a rodeo this weekend. Head to Denver and possibly see snowflakes in August.
Then I shook my head back to reality. And I smiled.
Playing "let's pretend" is a vital part of my life as a writer. It's the starting point of every story. It's what flows through my brain during first drafts. It's always happening--whether I'm at home, standing in line at a store, or hiking in a park. I don't think I can turn off "let's pretend"! I wouldn't want to. There's nothing like spending a few minutes pretending to be somewhere else, someone I'm not, a different species--anything that comes to mind.
How important is "Let's Pretend" in your life?
Have a lovely Monday!
