How are problems solved?I

I remember sitting in writing workshops where others speak about how writing must be done every day and how to set up a desk or space each of us to write in. I wonder how to go about doing that and if it would work for me. I spent more time thinking about the physical part than the writing itself.

Then in the middle of night when I woke up again because who can sleep all the way through the night, an idea came to me on how to solve a problem in the story I was working on. I lay there thinking how am I going to remember this tomorrow. Will it be like the dreams that float off upon waking? I told myself the idea a number of times, figuring if I repeat it enough I would remember it. When I woke up, there was the idea. I was so happy because it worked. Now at least I am able to find some good in the nights where I lay awake with my brain racing.

Every morning I walked our dog, Rex. We passed through the streets of our wonderful neighborhood and I check out the gardens and houses while Rex checks out which dog has recently passed. Many days I walk out of a sense of duty since Rex needs to move. Then when I am least expecting it, an idea will pop up for a new story. The rest of the walk passes by with me thinking of possibilities of where to go with the story. Who are the characters? What will happen?

Writing happens for me in many different places and in many different ways. If not for my brain working when I am not focused on it, my stories would not be what they are. I try not to beat myself up about the fact that sitting down and writing does not always occur. At least my brain is still working.