While Mom’s putting her cold tea back in the hot box (she calls it a microwave) I thought I’d introduce myself. Hi I’m Beatrix, BB for short and I help Mom write. I’m taking over the clicking thing on the desk this week to share some of my thoughts with you.
She’s doing it again. Mom’s been at her desk for an hour and making those clicking sounds but I can sense she’s not happy. I swear I hear her growling sometimes while she’s up there. But when I go looking for whatever is causing her to make those sounds, I find nothing. No squirrel, no stupid cat, no package guy at the door… nothing.
She tells her friends I’m the “editor”, whatever that means? Personally, I think I’m doing a great job. I offer support from my cozy little spot under the desk while she’s writing. I mean I’m snuggled down between her feet, keeping them warm, what more does she want me to do? Sometimes I sigh, put my head on her knee, ask for belly rubs. If I think it will help I’ll throw in a few licks around her ankle, just to help out.
By the way, it’s MY RUG, not yours, get me? (giving side eye) remember I said that, My Rug.
Anyway as I was saying, it feels exactly like when we do the training thing. Mom makes me practice the exact same stuff over and over. Sit. Stay. Look at me. Put that down…no I mean it, put that down. By the fourth time, I’m yawning. I know the routine, she knows the routine, but we’re just stuck in a loop. That’s what she’s doing up there with her words, and frankly I am getting deeply bored, but I’ve learned how this works: nobody gets a treat until the whole trick is finished.
You’ll never get to “good dog” status if you don’t do what’s required. 🐕
But then, something clicks. Literally. The growling stops, and the rhythm of the keys changes from hesitant taps to a steady sound like she’s chasing the cat into the kitchen. (#Stupidcat) She stops looking confused. She gives up on making the whatever she’s doing perfect and just lets the story (or cat) run wild to wherever words go.
As her under-desk assistant, my professional opinion is this: Finish the trick, get your treat and move on. When you get trapped in a loop of endless clicks, you’re just doing the same basic trick over and over. Give yourself permission to make a mess of the words, get to the end of the page, and claim your delicious reward.
The next time you find yourself stuck on the very first line, pretend your own furry editor is sighing heavily on your feet, waiting for you to finish the job. Whelp, I’ve got to go outside. Somebody has to let the neighbors know we’re safe. Those barks don’t bark themselves! Look for more of my brilliant suggestions in the future.
Till then,Wags to you all
-from under the desk BB🐾
