I’m sitting in my office, trying to focus on my work, but all I can think about is the dentist appointment I have coming in 2 hours.

I’ve become so obsessed with what’s about to happen with my teeth, that I’m listening to the Lady Gaga song “Teeth” to try to get it unstuck from my head.

The other thing passing through my head is, “What would my character be doing right now if he had a dentist appointment?” Whatever it is, I’m sure it would break the pacing.

However, there’s something to be said about environmental factors adding additional tension to characters. We all have tensions in our lives: bills to pay, an office bully, the sudden discovery of a meth lab in the garden shed. These types of tension can be much more real to a reader than the march of imminent death.

Until next time, and do try to floss.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk5vRoc0_nk]