Attention

The saying “where attention goes, energy flows” can be used to help or hinder our days. For example, if we focus on things out of our control, negative thoughts, and worst-case scenarios, we end up seeing/having more of that in our lives. The opposite is also true. Putting our attention on habits and routines we control, on pleasant (or at least neutral) thoughts/things, and keeping a positive outlook may prevent us from spiraling into a hole that is difficult to get out of.

When I’m with Holly, I focus on her, on our surroundings, on what we’re doing or where we’re going. Part of that is for safety reasons, but it’s also so I don’t forget things. I practice being present and mindful, and I find my time with her to be uplifting and enjoyable. During my time with clients, I’m also present and engaged with them. It makes our sessions more pleasant and productive.

With pen in hand, I focus my attention on the story. I capture the details of the setting, the dialogue and action of the characters, and find joy in the process. I’m in the moment. I might do a little research to find a town and check the terrain or plant life before including it in the story. I also check that not too many paragraphs have been written before something suspenseful or dangerous or mysterious happens.

I found out this week that contemporary romance is exploding in the publishing industry, while romantic suspense has dwindled. I’ve always loved reading and writing romantic suspense. They say that fiction serves as an escape, and readers dive into genres that offer something they don’t have in their daily lives. I think it’s also a matter of what captures a reader’s attention, which is a combination of what is and isn’t present in our days. To me, contemporary romance is often boring. There isn’t enough danger or excitement to keep me turning the pages. Grateful that my life is NOT dangerous or exciting, romantic suspense stories offer me an escape and hope.

The danger is on the page (whether reading or writing it). It keeps my attention as I follow the main characters in tracking down the bad guy. It gives me hope because on the page the bad guy is caught and punished, and the main characters get a happy ever after. Neither happens enough in real life. With my attention on reading or writing well-crafted romantic suspense stories, I get a bit of entertainment and a dose of hope. Where do you put your attention?