To make the time pass faster, we played Foilball in the basement of the Texas Capitol.

Foilball is not a real sport, but you've probably played it. The four of us—all Texas Senate proofreaders—devised the game in the throes of boredom.

Its one rule is simple: Don't let the ball of foil touch the ground.

We once exceeded a hundred touches without it hitting the floor. (I could be exaggerating. This was twenty-plus years ago.)

But man, did we get into it. All in our twenties, we'd dive with abandon so as not to be the one to fail the group.

We worked long hours, effectively proofreaders on call, because the Senate worked long hours. For the first part of the session, it felt like four months of Foilball, crossword puzzles, and reading any books we pleased. A dream job.

Then the end of the session drew nigh. Legislation was created. An avalanche of work descended.

I'll never forget the last day of the main session when—I kid you not—one of the typists mistakenly hit a menu item titled "DELETE ALL PERIODS."

I've always wondered why that item even existed.

That was a long night of proofing.

No time for Foilball.

***

Waiting is a necessary part of being a writer.

The question is: What will you do in the waiting?

For better or worse, there's always something that can be done.

But sometimes the best thing you can do is to play a game.

To laugh with friends.

To get away from the work so you can do the work better when it inevitably resumes.

Client news

The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher released a week ago.

It's currently at #5 overall on Amazon (just ahead of Atomic Habits).

Knowing how hard Jefferson worked on the book and its promotion, it's been encouraging to read so many positive reviews. It's such a useful, practical, warm, and authentic read.

As his book coach, I'm glad that readers "hear" Jefferson in the words on the page. This is particularly true with the audiobook since Jefferson narrates it. : )

I'll get to see Jefferson in a few hours at his book tour stop in Dallas today. Maybe he'll sign a book or two for me. Then he's hitting Houston and Austin, followed by a couple of more stops before visiting London.

I encourage you to grab your copy of The Next Conversation before someone gifts you a copy.

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