It's time to move into a new space and you're faced with a blank canvas. Here's what you have to work with: Pitched roof, wood-paneled walls, and a window seat with a sick, countryside view. This is not just a new loft bedroom, but a whole living space complete with seating area and writing nook. There is absolutely no doubt that the blank canvas will be covered in bookshelves, but here is my question: What would you put on these shelves besides books?

​​Not only did I quit writing, I sort of quit reading, too. I could feel my thoughts getting sludgy and I'm sure all the carbs didn't help. Reading anything at all is the best brain exercise second only to writing a book. When I was dedicating 40 hours a week to each project I remember feeling sharper than ever, and that I better take advantage before the inevitable decline. That decline came when I quit words. Luckily for me, most of the clarity returned when I gave up carbohydrates. Who knew? Now that I'm back on a steady diet of words, along with some protein and lots of fat, the wheels are properly greased once again. Bring it.