Writer's Block? Try A Visit to the Dentist 01/11/2012
 I needed a relaxing break from my WIP yesterday, so I went to the dentist for a filling and a crown. After all, which is worse? A shot of Novocain, or realizing you were way too desperate when you signed that contract promising to write a novel in six months? Seriously though, these days, a visit to the dentist really is relaxing. They put you back in a soft reclining chair with a comfy pillow. You don’t even have to hold you own mouth open. They have this new apparatus, nice soft plastic, no sharp edges, that props your jaw wide, retracts your tongue and vacuums spit. Not an ounce of effort. The work will be trying to find a second job when the bills comes. You know, I used to feel badly when I needed a tooth repaired, like it was a moral failure of some kind. But now I’m thinking about how many years my teeth have been chomping away....Just think if I had car that lasted that long. Almost makes you want to brush and floss. No, the real reason I like going to the dentist is the nitrous-oxide. For a girl who always “said no to drugs” it’s quite a trip. This time I came back to reality with the entire plot for a paranormal trilogy. It’s about a demon dental hygienist who tortures her victims by forcing them to choose a fluoride rinse—wintergreen, cantaloupe or bubblegum? When I was kid I always picked the flavor I liked best. I went though several flavors before I figured out you pick the one you like least because whichever it is, you’ll never enjoy it again. Actually, my favorite thing about getting a tooth filled—eavesdropping on the person in the next chair. I swear some people must think the dentist is their hairdresser. Talk about plot material! Too bad So next time you need inspiration, take a break and go to the dentist. But don’t imagine you’ll come out with the perfect smile advertised in the office photos. If you’re a writer, you’re in the wrong income bracket for that. But they say good fiction taps into universal feelings. Maybe you can turn a root canal into the next Hunger Games. Today's cartoon thanks to Kurt Melander and the US Air Force Commentscheryl doran 01/13/2012 3:06pm
Sign me up Mary!! It almost makes me want to go to the dentist. I hear that some offices are like a spa. Wouldn't it be nice to get a massage also.I think you should bring some nitrous oxide home and then see what kind of book you put out. Mary 01/16/2012 9:08am
Ha! I think that would be a blank book, as I would be in dreamland. Thanks for stopping by, Cheryl. 01/14/2012 3:52am
very nice and interesting article! 01/15/2012 8:40am
Wow, Mary, you are so brave. I must admit, dentists scare me. I'd never thought that a visit to the dentist could be relaxing :) Fun read! Mary 01/16/2012 9:29am
Great to hear from you, Fabio. Not so much brave, as afraid of having to live on a soft-food diet in my old age. Thank God, I have dental insurance. betsy wharton 03/30/2012 10:02am
Hi Mary are you home. I am in your neighborhood. Call me and I will come give you a hug 3604610866 Mary 05/04/2012 11:10am
Nice to hear from you, Carolyn. Leave a Reply | About Me
I am an author of books for young people,
and an occasional journalist. I blog about dealing with demons and other dark holes of the writing life, also about literature, history, food, gardening, nature, stuff I like. 
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