Creating Space

I was in 5th grade when I gave my allegiance to science fiction. I had just finished a mystery where the wracking, tortured cries heard from the swamp turned out to be … a pair of whooping cranes. I was disgusted. All that work-up, and it turned out to be nothing. It was an ending as unsatisfying as “And then she woke up.” It was years before I was even tempted to read another mystery.

Right after I returned that mystery to the library, I started reading all the Asimov and Heinlein I could lay my hands on. I read the Mushroom Planet series, and Madeleine L’Engle. I read C.S. Lewis’ Narnia books. The library had an intelligent buyer, and I didn’t hit anything lousy for quite a while. By then, I was hooked.

The sf books had gripping stories. The writing was clear — and the more writing I do myself, the more I respect clear writing. The science content made me feel like I was learning something. The heroes were people like me, or like I wanted to be — competent, brave, and optimistic. These books invited me to think in a fun way. I bonded to science fiction.

They also opened up new places. I read books that took place in outer space, alternate dimensions, and even the interior of blood vessels. And they opened up new minds: scientists, aliens, telepaths, and intelligent dragons. Science fiction widened my world.

Science fiction builds mental flexibility. By imagining the future, it prepares us to live in it. It helps create vision, and it reduces future shock. By imagining other minds, it helps us to understand the minds around us. Science fiction fans are one of the most tolerant groups I’ve ever spent time with. They also run more intelligent than average.

Every summer, librarians whisper the advantages of reading. The advantages of reading science fiction are even stronger. Science fiction is good for you. And of course, I love it. And doing what I love restores me.

So, widen your horizons, strengthen your mind, and recharge your energy by taking time to read some good sf. If anyone asks, it’s part of your self-development. And Anna Paradox gave you permission.

I’ve done it! I hired a web designer and revised the look of my website. I wrote the first draft of 7 Reasons You Don’t Write - And How to Cure Them. And I created an audio preview of Elements of Poker, the upcoming book from my editing client Tommy Angelo. Have a listen at annaparadox.com/eop.

It feels great to step back and look at what I’ve done.

I do have another choice. I could look at all the work I have left to do and feel rotten.

It’s funny how often I’ve made that choice. There have been many times when I have gone from project to project, always driven to complete the next one, without ever stopping to savor what I just completed. And what was the result? I grew tired, felt dreary, and had less and less energy.

Eventually, I lost the drive to start the next project. Why bother? It wouldn’t give me any joy.

It’s a simple, self-destructive feedback system. When I complete a project, and skip the celebration, I feel bad. Then it’s harder to complete the next project. So I feel bad about that too!

I’ve learned to do better. Now I celebrate. Sometimes the celebration is simple. I take a few moments to say to myself, “Yes, that was a success. Well done!” Sometimes the celebration is grand, like taking a week with my husband at a luxurious resort. Small projects get small celebrations, and big projects get big celebrations.

I also choose the celebrations that delight me. I’ve had neighbors who celebrated by inviting sixty people to a backyard barbecue. If that feels like a celebration to you, go for it! Your celebrations are whatever brings you joy.

As for me, I’m next going to celebrate by reading a good book.