As a local elected official, I try to get along with everybody, but when the neighbor's dogs tear my favorite jeans trying to get to my flesh, the milk of human kindness curdles a bit.

There are so many things that we take for granted about the people around us. We like to think that they want to do the right thing, and that when they don't, they regret it. But no. That's all too often an unwarranted assumption.

What to do? Hope for the best, but always carry a big stick?

My work-in-progress has been stalled for eight weeks. Usually, I just power through, then go back and tidy the mess later ... but not this time.

Looking over past projects, I realize the issue is always the same: there comes a point at which the story refuses to go where I want it to go, and we fight.

So, it's time: If my characters have a plan they haven't shared with me, then maybe my best bet is just to ride along and see what they have in mind.

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