Dragons and Demons: Escaping Writer's Block

Living in Western Washington, I am surrounded by nature. Awesome, frightening, threatening and yes, beautiful, nature. No matter the time of year, rain threatens. Moss grows on everything - including the rubber around my car windows! Wind blows tree limbs through windows and whole trees crashing down on roofs.

But then there is the beauty! There is wildlife all around. I see deer, rabbits, ducks and geese. Spring is neon green with pink-blossomed trees. Summer is deep, cool green. Fall is on fire with reds and yellows the color of embers. Jewel toned mallards with their plain brown mates swim in any available water hole.

70’ evergreens literally dance in the breezes. Birds nest in their branches and sing throughout the day. Their birdsong is as comforting as a cup of coffee in the morning. Winter snows bring calm and quiet.

Sometimes it’s wet and sometimes it’s cold but it is always beautiful. It is easier to praise God here. Easier to see His handiwork.

But if you’ve ever taken a walk through a forest, you know that for all that beauty, there is something eerie. Twisted tree roots look like snarls of snakes. Hanging branches reach out like monstrous hands. And that ever-present feeling of being watched. Cool breezes feel like witch’s breath and rustle the leaves in echoing whispers. Dragons and Demons and Aliens. Magic and Fantasy and Witchcraft.

All up in my head. Writer’s block unblocked. When it strikes, find nature, whether it’s a tiny patch of yard, an arboretum or miles of forest. If there is none near you, plant some. Plant a window box or a terrarium. Fill your senses with greenery, soil, sunlight and water.

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