Randy Pausch wouldn't have wanted us to feel gloomy about his death. After all, he was the one who told millions that we need to decide early in life whether we're going to be a Tigger or an Eeyore. Hearing that simple advice in the last lecture a few months ago caused me to place a permanent photo of Tigger on my fridge. During those early morning kitchen dramas when the kids are competing for air time, Tigger reminds me that being a mother is one childhood dream I have achieved.

But as a writer it's hard to bounce on my tail when things don't go my way. Hearing from my agent that my novel will require further revisions before the next submission almost had me feeling old and stuffed this week. The Eeyore in me could have easily complained that the woozles bouncing down my writing had nothing but "grey fluff that's blown into their heads by mistakes." But in honour of Randy Pausch, I was determined to take this news like a Tigger, in preparation for achieving my other childhood dream.

So, what would a bouncy, trouncy, flounsy, prouncy writer say to another set of revisions?

Does that mean I get to put away all of the new stuff I'm working on and get back to my favourite project again? Fun, Fun, Fun, Fun!

I am certain that my optimism and enthusiasm this week helped me bounce upon an archived blog by Mark McElroy defining narrative drive:

"When you're reading a story with powerful narrative drive, you are besieged with the feeling that something is about to happen ... and so you tag along, eager to see what happens next."

Though I thought I had done enough research on story arc these past few years, something about that definition put me into drive. It reminded me of that feeling I got when I suddenly found the friction point on the clutch while struggling with my father's repeated advice at the age of 16. Reading the Kite Runner also served as an excellent reminder of what a book is supposed to do for the reader. Books like these should come with little chains that readers can attach to their belt loops when life gets in the way of story time.

Oh the wonderful thing about writers is that books are wonderful things...

"Don't tell people how to live their life. Just tell them stories." Randy Pausch

Hi Tara,

I am so glad you found your inner tigger! Something big will happen with your novel - you would not have it any other way! Keep chasing your dreams my sis!

Love Tam

Thanks Tam! I realized last night that the last lecture was first presented on D's birthday. He's feeling really ready for a new adventure with his 40th coming up.