From Anne Lamott’s BIRD BY BIRD:
It [listening to your broccoli] means, of course, that when you don’t know what to do,
when you don’t know whether your character would do this or that, you get quiet
and try to hear that still small voice inside. It will tell you what to do. The problem is
that so many of us lost access to our broccoli when we were children. When we
listened to our intuition when we were small and then told the grown-ups what we
believed to be true, we were often either corrected, ridiculed, or punished.
God forbid you should have your own opinions or perceptions — better to have head lice.
I realized yesterday that I am, indeed, listening to my broccoli.
I don’t yet have an entire first chapter of my new project,
but I’m taking my time with what I have written and, so far, love it.
Every book I’ve written has followed a different process,
and I’m hoping this one will be slow, steady, and broccoli-guided.
image from morguefiles.com
And it just so happens broccoli is my favorite vegetable.
Tracy Abell 
When I was a kid I hated broccoli. Now it’s my favorite vegetable. As for listening to it, I try. Writing fiction (good fictin) can’t be rushed.
Have a good broccoli-filled day.
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I don’t remember a lot of broccoli when I was younger but from about 18 yrs-old on, I loved it. I think it’s cool it went from most-despised to most-loved vegetable for you.
I did have a good broccoli-filled day, and hope you had the same as you created your good fiction.
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I love BIRD BY BIRD! YAY for listening to your broccoli! (My fave veggie are baby peas.)
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So are you listening to your baby peas right now, Debbi?
Wishing you an excellent, productive writing day!
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Bring on the broccoli! (I’m also very fond of Brussels sprouts.)
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Of course you’re fond of Brussels sprouts. You and Zippy love The Ramones and Brussels sprouts. Sheesh, I’ve got to introduce the two of you.
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Wow. You mean there’s a profile for people like us? Does that make you guilty of vegetable profiling?
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Guilty! I profile via vegetable and punk tastes. You and Zippy are two peas in a torn-t-shirt-pod.
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Tell Zippy I’m honored to be a part of his pod.
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I love broccoli and try to listen to it!
I hope the new book continues as great as it goes making you feel that good!
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I’m glad you also love broccoli and listen to it! Go, Team Broccoli!
I had some moments of doubt yesterday and then got very quiet and listened carefully, and then moved ahead. Hope your project continues well, too.
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It goes slowly these days because the kids are on vacations but I hope I can move on more quickly in Monday 🙂
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I get it. My kids just went back yesterday so I know exactly what you mean!
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I love broccoli.
Carry on!
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Another member of Team Broccoli!
I’m carrying on, and know you’re doing the same.
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I’m meh about broccoli, but I like Anne Lamott and I love this post. Yay for being in love with your new project. (Has BIRD BRAIN flown the nest?)
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Meh about broccoli? Really? What are your favorite vegetables? As long as you don’t say Lima Beans, we can still be friends.
BIRD BRAIN has, indeed, flown the nest. I love having a new project to occupy my mind as I wait.
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Sugar peas, snap peas, water chestnuts, sweet potatoes. No, no lima beans. Those things are ghastly!
*Sending out good vibes for Bird Brain, as it looks for a new nest*
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Yum. Those are all delicious.
Thank you for the good vibes!!
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I fear I ate my broccoli before I got a chance to hear what it had to say. Oh no, I’m doomed! Off to buy another bunch. :p
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Did you get another bunch of broccoli, Karen?
(Again, I LOVE the sound of your new project. Wishing you a solid writing day!)
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thanks, Tracy!
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Um, can I borrow your bunch of broccoli? (Mine hasn’t been as forthcoming as I would hope.) 😉
So glad to hear you’re following your heart with your new project, Tracy.
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I don’t know if you want to listen to my broccoli, Lorraine. You’ve got your own broccoli, don’t forget it. Be very quiet and you’ll hear its whispers.
Thank you for the kind words about my project, and know I send the same good thoughts your way…
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YAY! A new project. I like the sound of that. And it just so happens I LOVE broccoli. Loved it as a kid and love it now. I will fix a big plate of it–just it–and eat it for dinner. I also love Bird by Bird. Great writerly advice.
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YES! I also fix huge mounds of broccoli and eat it for dinner. My menfolk think I’m nuts, but that’s okay.
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