Okay, first watch a bunch of adorable children at a very expensive restaurant. (And a wonderful chef who likes kids and is willing to make some really good choices for their menu.)

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/bcvideo/1.0/iframe/embed.html?videoId=100000003166834&playerType=embed

Didja watch it? Really? Because there’s going to be spoilers ahead.

Now, what does this have to do with writing or publishing or anything at all?

Well, there’s two take-aways that I see right away:

• Have fun with your medium. The chef took the opportunity to have some fun with the dessert course. He put chocolate truffles inside of balloons. The kids got to pop the balloons to get their treat. The chef also made sure that he mixed up old and new flavors. He explained the ingredients he was using to the kids. And he was willing to play with them and answer their questions throughout the meal. He was *having fun.* So relax. Have some fun.
• Don’t be afraid to try something new. The kids gamely tried everything they were served. Sometimes they liked it. Sometimes they didn’t. They were willing to express their opinions, but only *after* they tried something. This is why I don’t necessarily comment on romance much. I simply have never read it. And if you handed me a Western, I’d have very little to compare it to. So, try books outside of your comfort zone. Or better yet, try some short stories.

So what am I really saying today? Enjoy yourself. Try something new. Try mixing up your art and your reading. Read a new magazine. Try out a short story collection in a field you never read. Heck, try out a new poetry style. Or try a writing challenge like using only single syllable words, or not using “e,” or starting each sentence with a different letter of the alphabet.

Go a little crazy and knock yourself out of whatever ruts you happen to be in.

Or, you know, go to a fancy restaurant and try the tasting menu. *grins*

Romancing the Rainbow has started on By Passion Shorn.  Click. You know you want to.