Sometimes, I must pause to allow my mind minions to ponder details of a scene. In the next scene, the main character is assaulted by a group of bullyboys. The scene is essential for the character to accept needing to learn skills used later in the story, and to accept that changes are coming even if they don’t want to face those changes.

The scene is difficult because I don’t like violence. However, the story requires it. Knowing that, my mind minions have given me an answer that meets the need of the scene, creates the setups for later use, and still keeps me from a fit of depression because of the violence.

I owe a lot to my mind minions. They often save the day.

As an additional note. My submission for the Speculative Literature Foundation’s Older Writers Grant made it into the second round of jury deliberations. While I don’t expect to win, the fact I made it to the second round is one of the greatest validations I’ve ever experienced. That is as good as a win.