Idea dog

There's a misconception that writing is waiting—that it's sitting around hoping for a new thought to show up. In reality, writing is observing. Something my dog already knows.

Hallie isn't a writer, even though I know she could pull together a great ruff draft (please forgive me).

But she does like to guard me while I'm at my desk. She barks at dangerous things like squirrels and stray cats and children walking to school.

None of them have dared to invade our home thanks to her vigilance.

I like to imagine that she's also on the lookout for ideas. Something unique, original, unexpected. If one of those entered our yard, she would let me know.

That's because she isn't waiting. She's watching.

Ideas don't come to those who wait. They come to those who look.

Here, Rafiki's wisdom holds true: "Look harder."

Ideas are everywhere. Which weirdly makes them easier to miss.

For example, I had one sitting next to my desk this morning, and I almost didn't see her.