The bedroom was frightfully dark and the one thing that could shed some light and break through with illumination refused to work. The room was so hot it was stifling and beads of sweat formed on my brow. I hear the wind whistling outside and although I am still in the room I hear creaks and moans familiar with old homes. I reach for the light and again nothing. This lamp appears to be just as frightened as I am to be in this room but I need this lamp to do its job. I take a moment and ignore the fear in my mind and take 3 deep breaths. Then I reach for the lamp again and I whisper please turn on, I need your light. I turn the knob and there is soft warm white light that envelops the room and I am grateful.

I’m so thankful to be sitting on this beautiful beach in Bermuda but I can’t get the city that never sleeps, New York City out of my mind. I’m thinking of how Time Square glistens at night and is bustling with people walking, lookup up at all the lit billboards and electronic signs, a hot dog cart selling sausages and the like fills the air. On one corner is a guitar player and a singer performing for tips and have a crowd gathering. Folks walk in and out of the restaurant and all the stores are open. You wouldn’t think it was close to midnight but it is. That’s the essence of NYC at night and to be honest I miss it but the peace of this season of my life and this beach is indescribable. I am happy.

The storm, wait I mean argument has passed but much like the calm after a storm I feel forgiveness rising. Usually after the thunderstorm calm arrives and brings warmer temperatures, sunlight and blue skies. Forgiveness is much like that. It brings calm relations, light into what was a dark space and warmth. The aftermath of forgiveness is akin to the experience after a storm in that what surfaces can be the complete opposite and you never think the pounding rain, high winds and thunder ever occurred. Forgiveness brings new awareness to what needs to be sun-kissed after it has watered.

I hand Bobby his favorite button down shirt hopefully it’s comforting to him as he presents his oral report in class today. The shirt is a shade of blue which psychologists suggest relaxes people and the long sleeves will act as a protective layer that will boost his confidence and allow him to believe he can fulfill his desire to get an A on this assignment. The familiarity of the shirt will act as a conduit to the self motivation Bobby needs to be comfortable reaching his goal. PS- this was a very difficult exercise

Have you ever heard of the concept of interiority? Interiority is the inside life of the POV character — their thoughts, reflections, and feelings that don’t always make it into dialogue or action. It is the ability to look directly into a character’s head and heart. Through interiority we learn several things: What they’re really feeling? Why they make the choices they do... How their private thoughts differ from their outward actions. The fun of interiority is that it gives the reader access to what no one else in the story can see. It creates empathy, tension, and depth. Remember: interiority isn’t only inner monologue. It can also show up in the body — sweaty palms, a racing heartbeat, or the way a character feels the weight of silence. Try to respond to at least one more prompt about a person by the close of the weekend. And don’t just tell what your character does. Let us in on what they think and feel in the moment. That’s where the excitement and magic lives. HAVE FUN WITH THIS ONE...