Weiner Dog
Author Jennifer Weiner has a great section on her website. She talks about becoming a writer and the road to publication. Number six on her list is quite interesting and I think is possibly the missing ingredient in my writing career. She says that if you want to be a writer, you need to, of all things, GET A DOG. Gasp.
" Being a dog owner requires a similar form of discipline. You wake up every morning. You walk the dog. You do this whether you're tired, depressed, broke, hung over, or have been recently dumped. You do it. And while you're walking, you're thinking about plot, or characters, or that tricky bit of dialogue that's had you stumped for days. You're out in the fresh air. Your legs are moving. Your dog is sniffing the butts of other dogs. It gives you a routine, a physical rhythm, a loyal companion, and a way to meet new people when you're in a new place. It gets your body used to doing the same thing at the same time – and if you're walking the dog for half an hour at the same time of every day, it's an easy step to go sit in front of the computer and create for half an hour at the same time every day. So go to your local pound or rescue organization, and get a dog. Trust me. You'll be glad you did."
Oh Jennifer, Jennifer, Jennifer. Anyone that knows me, knows that this isn't a possibility. I'm the anti-animal person. I can't even keep a Webkin or my iFluff Pandy alive on my iPhone. It's hopeless. My discipline will simply have to come from another source.
But for the rest of you, take her advice. Head out this weekend, rescue a dog and become a writer. The world will thank you.
Audra Krell 
Can’t. I already have two dogs and two cats. I do think that this is good advice though. Having a living creature in your house that is totally dependant on you will do wonders for your discipline. It’s not the same as having a cat. A dog relies on you for most of its needs.
Hey Audra;
I must admit this post made me literally “laugh out loud”! Many times we toss that little LOL shorthand into our notes without really “laughing out loud”. But, with the subject heading “Weiner Dog” you caught my attention because I have one of those!
I love the discipline comparison of having a dog and writing. It’s very interesting. But, I laughed out loud when you said you can’t even keep your iPhone dogs alive!
Very funny stuff!
Dr. Rus
I have a friend who left their Webkin on a trampoline for three days.
I get the same result from ANY solitude I take. So, scheduling solitude (and sticking to it) works for me. Except weekends. Not much solitude on the weekends.
I hope the weekend was wonderful! 🙂
You know, I thought you’d have an issue with #6! I think that being a mom of three boys can substitute for that one. Their schedule is far more demanding than that of a pet and the rewards are so rich!
Maybe Audras aren’t supposed to have dogs. I’m not an animal person either.
I love that my blog is currently at the top of your list of favorite blogs. 🙂