Whether building a shiny new world for a novel or designing a schedule that suits your life and needs, it’s simple logic that the humans (or the dominant species in the case of a novel) would be in charge of said world.
Lately, around here it’s become obvious that ideal order and control isn’t the case.
It’s a funny thing to be the head of a household and realize exactly how little authority you wield. Part of the problem is that I really do live in a domestic petting zoo with three retired greyhounds, two manipulative cats, and two quirky finches.
At least the finches are confined to one area and primarily amuse each other, but they do call to me if I haven’t been in to see them for awhile.
The cats are stubborn and get creative about how to get what they need from me. They need me – or rather my thumbs – for sustenance. And when they want a warm lap, they make it clear they need the lap to be free of electronic devices. Everyone has standards for their demands around here.
But with both kids off to school, watching his pack get smaller has caused our youngest greyhound, Bandit, some stress. He think’s he’s part a shepherd these days – which is really a twist in the carefully constructed world I built around here.
Ideally, my schedule includes a great deal of time at my writing desk. Unfortunately for me, that’s no longer acceptable to Bandit because the desk isn’t in a place where we can all be together.
But I’m the alpha female around here, right? The dominant species – I have thumbs! I should be in charge of this world. But apparently even the alpha is subject to the needs of the pack.
We now have a new routine, just so Bandit can be sure I don’t disappear like the kids did. We wake up, we go outside, we have breakfast, and we nap as a pack. Bandit graciously allows me to write rather than nap during this time, as long as we’re all together.
I’ve tried everything to maintain my carefully structured routine in my idyllic writing world, but he applies his considerable skills and vocalizations until I cave. The thing is I get it. So I’ve adjusted my morning writing routine, telling myself it’s better for me this way too.
Yeah, knowing who’s in charge in this world (Bandit for now) means I can spend more time in charge of the only worlds I can control: in my paranormal adventures.
Live the adventure!
