Children are smarter than we give them credit for. They pretend and they give life to whatever they are doing at that particular moment. One sad fact is that many of today’s toys rob these little ones from their creative playing by giving an adult’s version of actions, words, and story plots. Notice how quickly a child tires of pre-programmed playthings and would sometimes prefer box they came in.

As writers we don’t want to be childish, only child-like. There is a world of difference in these words. Seeing things for first time in a different light and noticing all fine points is being child-like. A small one can study a rock or a blade of grass for hours if left to their own devices. Along comes an adult and we give them a toy that is meant to entertain but stops imagination process. A simple toy soldier can be placed in so many different story plots and doesn’t always win. Either their sand castle collapses or day comes to an end. However, tomorrow brings new adventures and opportunities.

Writers are professional people, this is true. As professionals we know value of finding ways to increase our creativity and our imagination. Pick up your toy soldier and see what today’s adventures will bring. You may be very surprised at what your own child-like images can do. Give it a try. ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 April

Your work that you considered perfect was and still is perfect for its space in time. Look with inspiration at people who face graver challenges and you will find that their very example motivates you to cherish your perfect article or book and be proud of it. Today is a new day, and yesterday’s prefect book may need a little dusting, or polishing to meet your perfect stamp of approval for today.

Perfection is what you perceive it as, and this holds true for every other person in world. It may not be one person’s idea of perfection, so job at hand is to match your perfection with publisher or editor who will consider it “perfection” when right moment in time comes along.

The only mistake you can make will be to give up and quit. Quitting is nobody’s idea of perfection and it will never be. If you quit, it is failure - right down to that last sentence, that last period. The ONLY time you fail is when you quit. Your article or book can never be given chance to be perfect to anyone at anytime. You wrote “The End” and closed cover. ©Arleen M. Kaptur