Ask Fran

Dear Fran,

I need to be motivated to work on a story. It is difficult to work by myself. Do you have any advice?

Sincerely,

Norris

Dear Norris,

Your question and I have been wrestling for weeks.  This predicament stumps me, but I shall not let it defeat me. 

We must never admit defeat.  Not even when the bigger dog’s jaws are locked in our haunches.  Especially not then.

I do not work well with others.  I’m afraid they will want my things.  Or else I am distracted by a furious desire for their things. 

Additionally, if I am not motivated to do something, I will not do it.  And I can’t name a time I been anything but pleased with myself or my decisions. 

Now, I have been coerced into torturous situations by leashes, muzzles, and shock collars.  Only a monster would recommend these tools, but they are effective.   

When I need a thing – food, water, respect for boundaries, a cupboard to hide in when the sky is crumbling to pieces – God help the obstacles in my way because I will rip them into Nothing. 

I suppose the same can be said about the things I want – to take away from you whatever you have, to bark, to dig, to hold the weight of a limp squirrel in my mouth and then stand guard over it’s corpse until forever. 

Perhaps it would be best to ask yourself if the task you are confronting is a need, want or coercion?  If it is a mix of the three, fixate on the need and the want.  Fixate on the need and the want and charge it with hackles high.