With the end of Spring Break and the return to school, the inevitable chain-myself-to-my-desk routine of homework has commenced. It’s time to burn the candle at both ends, balancing school and work, and hope that the creative well can stand a bit more pumping.

What a lot of people do not realize, though, is that I have a secret weapon:

My puppy.

Every time I sniff him, I get a new idea for a story. Did I mention he smells like Cool Ranch Doritos? I’m not kidding. You have to smell this little man.

For some reason, my little puppy – named Taquito – has an obsession with being in my lap when I’m in the office. He hears the squeak of my chair and comes running. No matter how long I sit, this guy will stay with me, sleeping peacefully or intermittently licking my hands and face.

What I failed to mention before is that he’s a bit camera shy. He does whatever is in his power to AVOID looking at the webcam when I try to catch him in a cute pose. Exhibit A.

There is just something about his warm, furry little body and the steadiness of his breath that soothes me into my creative zone. The flutter of his heartbeat brings with it the flicker of inspiration. Whenever I’m struggling for an idea or I’ve reached a block in a story, I scoop him in my arms and give him a big kiss.

Yeah, I’m one of those people who loves my dog like a child. Don’t judge.

Did I mention he works better than a space heater during those cold winter nights?

So, with a new class on my plate and about 10 stories in mid-production, I’ll be keeping caffeine close and Taquito closer. Because nothing fends off writer’s block more than a fierce Chihuahua named after convenience store food.

Optimistic for some productive nights and white-hair covered clothing,

~ Victoria Elizabeth