I know someone who has a friend stationed at the Aviano Air Base in Italy. I was asking her some questions about Air Force life, because I’m writing a story for an anthology coming out next year with a military theme. I asked a few key questions then let her run with it. The best part of the whole exchange was not the technical facts regarding military machinations, but how she didn’t know that at a certain time of day, every day – the Italian anthem plays and everyone freezes where they are until it ends. There’s more to it than that – they do reciprocate for the American anthem – but the most interesting part of the story was how she was caught unaware and made a fool of herself. Her real life experience of not knowing what was going on was hilarious. Waaaaay more interesting than the color of Italian military uniforms. I plan on adding my own version of it into my story.

Writers spend an enormous amount of their lives hunkered down in front of the computer. It takes a lot of time and energy to write all of those impassioned words. Plus, there’s all of those pictures of hot men, Facebook posts to read, emails to send, pictures of hot men, the perusing of Amazon listings and buying now with one click, pictures of hot men, snacking, and not bathing. I have to save time somewhere.

When I do end up dusting the cobwebs off of myself and actually step outside, I’ve discovered something very fascinating. There are people out there! No, really. They’ll actually talk to you and everything. Of course, you don’t want to talk to all of them. Trust me – some of them are best left alone. I’ve found that if you start with the ones you know first, it’s better for everyone involved.

So what’s the best way to utilize this amazing phenomenon? Have a life. Get together with the friends you haven’t seen for a while (except on Facebook). Play a game together (that’s not on Facebook). Watch a video together (That’s not on YouTube). Ha…gotcha!

I think the concept of getting out and enjoying life holds true for all of us – writer or not. My favorite spot in the whole wide world is either at my computer or with my kindle. You’ll have to pry my kindle from my cold dead fingers before I’d ever relinquish it, but I do recognize the value in changing things up. Life is all about balance and those funny creatures out there in your city or town can be enjoyable on occasion. Go on, give them a try.

To follow what madness I might be getting into, check out my blog here: www.morticiaknight.blogspot.com

Also on Facebook and Twitter: @morticiaknight