On The Write Track

I do not believe everything happens for a reason. However, one of the dumbest things I did as a kid was to stand as close to a passing train or even crawl under a four foot trench as the train passed over head. At the time we, had red cabooses which designated the end of a train. Our eventual goal was hitch a ride on the caboose while it passed by. Luckily for me, we never got the courage to attempt this dangerous act of childhood bravery.

Thirty years later, these images are fresh in my mind for this critical scene I am writing. My heart still skips as I read it out loud while editing. Train tracks still facinate me today.  Then, I read an article about the Train of Death in Mexico. I can't afford to check this mother of a story for myself so I have created my own story. 

If you don't believe in a God, there are still moments when you feel "the force" or a sense of peace. This could be at the beach, hearing a song, or meditation. If you do believe in God, there are environments which bring you closer to him. This could be through Church, reading the Bible, or exploring creation. 

When writing, I usually start by taking a walk. I'm mentally documenting the environment. Is it cold and how does it feel? Is it cloudy and how can I describe it. Who is that stranger and what is his life story? When I arrive at my destination and I'm ready to right, I have this frame of mind that connects me to the story. Lately I'm back on the rails of the train tracks. I want to feel the steel and hear the trumpet. That gets me excited to finish this story I want to share.