Morning Coffee

Ah the joys of getting out of bed to face the coming day. I’m sure many people like me have that perpetual grogginess hanging over them. In my case it’s because I simply don’t seem to sleep any more, but that’s an issue for another day. Anyway, it’s usually after that first cup of coffee I have that things finally start to come into to focus and get the juices flowing.

Some days are juicier than others, of course, since the piled up lack of sleep does tend to build to a resounding crescendo every so often. But more often that not these days, my brain likes to wander, which is how I meet new characters and story ideas almost on a daily, or at least weekly basis. This morning was no exception. Well, to be honest, it wasn’t a new story, but a revisit to an old idea that has been starting to refine and revitalize itself in my thoughts.

I have heard many times from virtually everyone that breakfast is the most important meals of the day, and I can at least see their point as it is a means to revitalize the body and provide a valuable source of energy. Over the years, I have also found that the same is true in terms of the brain. Sometimes, the mental juices I mentioned earlier need a little pick me up…a cup of brain coffee, if you will.

Since time is always a consideration, for me that pick me up is a good audio book. It’s been over a year now (wow time flies!) since I began taking audio books with me for the half hour or so ride to work and the return trip. Over the course over that year, I’ve listened to many, many books, ranging from fantasy, science fiction, horror, and even non-fiction science books.

As an editor, I’ve always felt being well-read is a must, and throughout my early years, I read countless titles from then new authors (not necessarily new authors by today’s standards, of course), but I kept coming back to the fact that I’ve missed a good number of the so called great works of fiction. Before my audio book jaunts, I had never actually read Robert Heinlein, Philip K. Dick, Roger Zelazny or any numerous others. Some have of course been more to my liking than others. Lord of Light, by Roger Zelazny, for instance is now at the top of my list as a favorite; as is the classic Skylark series by Doc Smith. Both of these authors I was introduced to through audio fiction.

To be perfectly honest, I can truly see how my thoughts have been lifted by doing this each day, and now new and more developed ideas are piling up for my own writing. I look forward to getting to experience new novels equally as a reader, editor and writer, and I think that my work will reflect this widened perspective and mental vitality. I hope those who read my work can agree.

Sincerely,

Joe :-)