It’s said that writing is a lonely craft. We sit and try to pull the images from our mind’s theater and imprint them on the page. We often do this at a quiet desk, away from the intrusive world, alone. Even if we’re forced to walk among the living and write in cafes, libraries, or park benches, we’re still alone. We tune out the noise, the reality.

Yet, for many of us, we lucky few, there are writing companions. Mine sits in my lap as I my fingers brush over my other laptop. His name is Jeeves and he’s pictured above. No matter if I’m working on an edit at my desk, or pecking away at a story on the porch, he’s there by my side. He cocks his head as I try out how sentences sound when they enter the air. But he doesn't criticize.

It seems that most writers prefer dogs or cats. There’s much to be admired about both. For the most part, the cat is a silent partner, content to share a warm spot with you and not be bothered by your pecking at the keyboard or scribbling on a pad. Although, they do have a tendency to think of your computer as their personal heating pad.

Dogs are just content to be around you. They’ll take whatever space that you give them without too much fuss. They’re just happy to be part of the pack. Although, if someone knocks on your door, your concentration might be tested.

They’re our closest friend. They listen to our confessions without judgement. You can tell them your deepest fears and they’ll keep your secrets. Read them your worst prose and they’ll still stare with adoration. They’re our biggest fan.

We’ll most likely outlive them. It’s a cruel rule of nature that animal’s lives are short like the seasons. Yet, we’re writers and they are our companions. As such, their memory will live on in our words. Even if their name is not mentioned, their life essence will still permeate our prose. Our knowledge of love and loss will be earned through their passage in our lives.

If you have a writing companion, please feel free to share how they enrich your life. If you don’t have one, consider heading down to your local animal shelter and adopting a new friend. I guarantee it will help your writing. If it doesn’t, well, you still win.

Take care and be kind.

Stephen King comes up with some pretty outlandish stories. At least, on the surface they might seem that way. No, a giant dome isn’t going to suddenly cover an entire town. A teenage girl is not going to use mind power to destroy a prom and kill the kids that bully her. And, a pandemic will not wipe out most of the earth in an epic battle between good and evil.

However, King books are not really about those external things.

When it comes down to it, his books are about how people react to adversity. He sets up some crazy circumstances and tells his characters,”Go for it”. Then, we get to follow the extremes of human nature. While King allows certain stereotypes to populate the story, he’s best when he allows us to be surprised by someone rising above their supposed abilities. Although some pretty crappy things happen in his books, you can tell that he still has hope for human nature to overcome evil.

Which brings me to the pandemic we’re experiencing.

If social media has done one thing, it’s exposed a portion of our society that is mean and selfish. Granted, it’s always been there. Only now, instead of it being hidden in the shadows, it paraded like a badge. Fortunately, it’s still a minority. Social media makes you think that it’s huge. But, the majority of people are living decent lives and don’t have the time to trash other people.

So, when I sit down every day to write, I don’t let the small group of unhappy people to take over my stories. Don’t get me wrong, I still use them. However, I keep them in their place. They will never be allowed to rule my worlds. Because, they’ll never be able to rule the real world.

Stay safe out there. Things are pretty scary. However, there are good people out there. Bad times won’t last. In the meantime, read a good book. Just maybe stay away from The Stand right now.

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