My Good Luck Charm

I love the dream I pursue.

I love how deeply I care about my words as they appear on the pages I write.

Yet there have been times in my past when I ignored my dream, when I let days, weeks, even months slip by without writing.

Once that drought passed, I wrote the third book in my historical romance series. The fourth followed a year later, the fifth another year later. I had reclaimed my dream.

Now, I have started a new habit. First thing each morning, I slip a special charm on my wrist. I wear it while I write my First Words every morning, and it’s been working like magic, so I thought I’d share my success with you.

I found it at my favorite consignment store, where I never fail to discover some treasure I would never have found elsewhere.

My charm is a bracelet. Silver-toned and attractive, it’s made of individual pieces that look like charms, connected by invisible elastic that makes it easy to wear on my wrist directly, or over the cuff of long-sleeved sweaters.

The charms are primitive and whimsical, swirling circles and roses, chevrons, stars, and swirls.

One charm states boldly, “BELIEVE IT!” Another says, “DREAM IT!” Yet another embeds a heart within a heart within a heart, the universal symbol of love.

I write historical romance, stories about wars and struggles, disappointment, hopes and dreams. I also write about Gypsies, a people who have captured our imagination over the centuries with their travels, their love of music and freedom, their connection with nature, and of course, curses and spells. This seemed like the perfect talisman for me.

Depending on my day job and other obligations, sometimes I have only an hour to write. On better days, I have two. One thing is certain, though—when I put that bracelet on, it follows as naturally as breathing that I gather my novel notes and sit down. And I write. When I wear that bracelet, the words flow freely.

For centuries, Gypsies—and the rest of the population—have adopted good luck charms. A charm, or talisman, is an object its owner believes holds magical properties that bring good luck, special power, or other such strength.

It’s nothing new. Good-luck objects have been used for centuries to inspire, motivate, empower, and heal.

Amulets and other such charms were prescribed by medieval physicians. Given the life expectancy of those times and the prevalence of epidemics and plagues, it would have been prudent to possess one or two.

A good talisman or charm possesses beauty, holds special meaning to its owner, and inspires and reassures.

My bracelet shines in all those areas. It’s beautiful. I feel special when I see it, and I feel empowered when I put it on.

Is it the bracelet or my belief in its magical powers that has helped me break through the usual speed bumps of life and achieve daily morning writing?

I don’t think it matters. I just know it works.

I’m not alone. Many famous people possess a magic charm.

Madonna wears a red string bracelet for good luck. Tennis great Serena Williams has a special pair of socks she wears during her big games. Every golfer knows about Tiger Woods’s “Red Shirt Sunday” that he used in his heyday to psych out the competition—and bolster his already soaring confidence. Colin Farrell has a lucky belt his father gave him. Heidi Klum carries a bag of her own baby teeth. Benicio del Toro wears a ring with a wooden core so he can always knock on wood when needed.

I know how they feel.

How about you? You’ve assembled your writer’s toolbox, gathered all the craft tips, purchased all the hardware and software you need for your novels. Now, add something whimsical and magical to your writing life. Keep your eyes open. Look for the signs: something beautiful and special, something that calls to you, enriches your spirit, your focus, your commitment.

Oh, and final thoughts: First, my achievement. With my good luck charm, I finished this last book in two months, three weeks–a fourth of the time it took me to write the others. (Well, yeah, there are edits yet, but still!)

Second, the charm has to remain special. Serena doesn’t wear her magic charm socks every day, and Tiger Woods only wore the red shirt on Sundays during tournaments. The minute my morning words are written, I remove the bracelet and store it until the next morning. It must remain special.

Do you have a special charm? Drop a note if you do, and share with us.