Breaking writer's block

Talk about New Year's resolutions coming back to haunt you. This has long been one of those oft-mentioned yet as of now still unaccomplished resolutions of mine -- to be published again. When I resigned from Citi, this was one of the reasons I gave to Miles & my parents -- I needed time to realize my passions. Since then, I've taken short classes in writing & photography (met a great bunch of people along the way), started blogging and accumulated enough books to populate another small library.

Two years down the road and I find myself still gripped with fear and a severe case of writer's block. I can't say that I didn't have encouragement. Darwin led the way when he published his treatise on Ill-Gotten Wealth Recovery. I received very positive feedback from fellow workshoppers. Anton said I should just write and write and write -- skill and inspiration will follow (hopefully). And still I procrastinated...too busy... nothing to write about.... the list goes on.

Yesterday, a text message arrived out of the blue which shook me out of my complacent rut.

"Hi Happy New Year. This is ____ from Travel Writing. I wrote a short book as a Xmas gift to my son. I was hoping to get your feedback. Is that ok?"

A day later, the LBC delivery truck dropped off a package for me - Mark's work of love for 7-year old Carlos. It's a collection of little vignettes which illustrate the relationship between father and son. I feel so honored to have been given the chance to read it and provide my inputs. In his note to me he wrote "The writing bug has hit me hard and so I am currently working on my second book".

Thank you Mark for making me part of your journey and inspiring me to get back on track with mine. James, I will hold you to your promise to illustrate. =)