I’m researching a topic that’s outside of my wheelhouse, with a character that’s outside of my wheelhouse. While it’s incredibly culturally relevant, and I’ve been studying, I can’t say I’ve developed a perspective on the topic yet.

And yet, it still captures my attention. A truer statement is probably, “I haven’t done enough research on this yet.” I hadn’t prepared for it. Not enough to meet my quality of standard, not enough to say something new. 

The thing about writing every day is it forces me to take stock of my inventory of experiences. There’s not much time for me to dream up imaginary aspirations, not when I have a deadline every day.

It also encourages me to use my day-to-day life as that research phase; I’m drawing on my memoiristic day-to-day lived experiences, instead of just commentary from other people.

It’s the gift, and the curse.