Writing a Birthday Party

My 6yo's birthday last week seriously cramped my writing time. I worry when days pass without writing. Will I forget how to write? Will my pen weep ink on my desk? Will my ideas elope with some other writer?

I was also having a hard time pulling the party together. My mantra for this year was "keep it simple," like the good ol' days: pin the tail, hit the piñata, sing the song, eat the cake, and GO HOME! But instead of simple my plan just looked loosey-goosey. It needed structure. It needed...a story!

With that inspiration I got a little writing time and pulled the party together.  You'll have to resist judging the literary merit of the following Little Mermaid-inspired party surprise:

"Stop the music! I just received a letter from Ariel."

I know you are having a birthday party, but Scuttle flew in with news: Ursula is trying to overthrow my kingdom! 

I'm away on my honeymoon with my true love, Prince Erik. So, I need your help. Will you help me stop Ursula? Wonderful! I knew you would.

First, you'll need to get past her guards. Try to blend in by dancing, but stop if the music stops.

Now, go see King Triton. If he says "Triton Says" follow his instructions carefully.  

Now, find my grotto and write the right names on my human treasures. (Renamed a Schnoggle-splat to flip-flop, dingle-hopper to fork, etc.)

Finally, you need to make a potion to keep Ursula away for good. On the count of 3 pour your octopus goo (vinegar) into your sea urchin dust (baking soda + jello powder.)

Hooray! I knew you could do it. To celebrate, Sebastian hung a piñata of treasures for all of you to share. Thank you for saving us!

Though I often write about my lacking parenting, I knew I had done well when a 7yo asked at the end of the party, "That wasn't really a letter from Ariel, was it?" There was just enough lilt in her question to know I helped her suspend disbelief. And that's one of the greatest joys of writing.