I was sitting in my office in Lemon Grove, California, looking out the window. I was waiting for the next person I was going to interview, and watching for the next trolley to rush past. I had about 10 minutes and was also wondering what my next article would be about.
About that time, the trolley came barreling past. If they don’t stop for passengers, they are going 45-50 miles per hour here. During the weekend, only 2 cars run in tandem, but during the week, 3 cars run together. I walked outside to take this photo.
I began wondering about which one is either pulling or pushing, but then I observed the power system. Each car was receiving its own power from the electric cables above the cars. I suddenly realized that each car – the 3 of them connected together – was pulling its own load. And I had to write about it!
I tell you, inspiration happens in the most unusual ways and at the most interesting times. Always try to be alert as you go about your day, and capture those fleeting thoughts, those inspirations that rush by like the trolley cars.
Even though connected together, each car was pulling its own load. That reminded me about writers. We read each other’s work; we learn from each other; we often help each other. But each of us must carry our own load. We must do our own work.
So, as you write, be open to suggestions and receive criticism without complaining. Critics can be our best friends. But keep writing. Keep working. Carry your own load. Enjoy the thrill that comes when you finish that article, that manuscript, that book! And always be sure to …
Write Creatively.
P & L Publishing 