My brain has gotten lazy when it comes to writing. It's because I've fallen out of the habit. Flowery prose does not come as easily, my cleverness is a slow-wit half-breed, and my storytelling lacks Ooomph.

The only answer is to practice.

At night, my imagination runs wild: strange dreams, many of which are too sexy to publish here, prove my creativity is alive and well. Translating that creativity into a viable, entertaining article or story may be a dream in, and of, itself.

I'm not saying that I've got a Wizard-Of-Oz caliber story to tell, nor does Something-Wicked-This-Way-Comes seem to be in the offing.  I know from reading that many career writers spend months, even years, tailoring their stories and perfecting their craft.

I can't expect to write the Great-American-Kill-Bill in a single night.

Based on the readership my blog(s) have recruited, I don't yet have the audience necessary to make millions. But I have discovered that the only audience I really need is myself. NOT that I don't want an audience - but applause is for actors and book sales are for those career writers who simply have more time than I do.

Recently I was told that if I have to say, "That was a joke," then it isn't funny. But I say, if I laugh, then I'm funny, and to hell with everyone else. Sometimes humor is about letting myself in on the joke.

If I took the time, I'd frame out my story - start at the beginning, and know where I am ending. Decide how I'm getting there. Work on character development, setup a back-story, imagine a setting, design a hook. Is my process missing anything? Oh yeah: ideas.

Body Motivations

<--Abercrombie & Fitch

I saw a news piece in 2008 on the local news about a man who managed to come very close to obtaining all the necessary signatures to have an Abercrombie & Fitch store in the local mall remove a picture inside the store. He even had started a web site, http://www.movethepicture.com/ to facilitate his efforts.

One of the things that makes America great is our right to speak out, make free speech, protest or support things in our America. We have a voice, and it can be heard even louder in numbers. This man has his right to his opinion, and I respect that.

However, personally, I think we should see how many people want to sign a petition to save the picture. It serves no harm, and is not pornographic. I've seen worse at the public beach (or better, as the case may be). The photo is inspiring to people who wish to be physically fit.

The objectors website is no longer - and A&F continue to strategically place photos such as these in conspicuous view from the leaseline.  Thank you A&F for providing Body Motivation to men everywhere!

Its no secret that men worry about their "image." The less secure ones worry that if pictures like these are all over their refrigerator, some of their guy friends might think they're gay. So finding body motivational images can be a good thing for them, because they can still view motivational photos without worry.

<--American Eagle Outfitters (one of my most favorite clothing stores ever - their clothing is actually of good quality, not just fashionable.)

Of course, us gays, we have no such hangup - we put pictures of fit men on our refrigerators, on the walls of our bathrooms, on our Trapper Keepers...

 <--Hollisters

So here's hoping these images help those who seek body motivation...  however it may come!

Additional Body Motivation - an openly gay male country music star, Steve Grand: