A comedy of detours, questionable directions, and existential fare meters.
I can write just about anytime, anywhere. The second I’m out observing the world — checking out buildings and soaking up nature — my ideas start jumping around like they’ve had too much coffee.
In classic Abracadabra (title of my log and podcast) fashion — where my brain pulls random ideas out of its hat whenever it feels like it — this one magically appeared while I was sitting in a taxi.
At first glance, writing and riding in a taxi seem unrelated. One involves a vehicle operated by a stranger who may or may not ignore your instructions. The other is… basically the same, except the stranger is your own brain.
1. You Pretend You Know Where You’re Going
When you hop into a taxi, you confidently name a destination you half-remember from Google Maps. When you start writing, you boldly type a title even though your brain is whispering, “We’re lost already.”
In both cases, the confidence lasts about 12 seconds.
2. There Will Be Detours. Lots of Them.
Taxi: the GPS suddenly screams “RECALCULATING” like it’s having a nervous breakdown.
Writing: you meant to explain one idea but have now written three paragraphs about something else entirely.
Are you off track? Yes.
Will you continue anyway? Also yes.
3. You Experience Traffic — Mental or Otherwise
Writers get stuck in the notorious mental gridlock known as writer’s block, complete with honking frustration and imaginary bumper-to-bumper excuses.
Taxi riders get actual traffic, but at least they can scroll on their phones.
4. You Rely on a Guide Who Isn’t Always Reliable
Taxi version:
Driver says, “I know a shortcut,” and it’s definitely not a shortcut.
Writing version:
Your brain says, “I have a great idea,” and it’s definitely not a great idea.
Either way, you just nod and hope for the best.
5. You Pay the Fare — One Way or Another
Taxis cost money. Writing costs your sanity.
Both are non-refundable.
6. The View Can Be… Unexpected
Taxi windows offer scenery ranging from fascinating cityscapes to a man fighting a pigeon.
Writing offers internal scenery ranging from bursts of creativity to the sudden realization that every sentence you’ve written is terrible.
Both experiences are unforgettable, for better or worse.
7. Arrival Is a Miracle
When a taxi delivers you safely, you feel grateful, relieved, and vaguely surprised.
When a piece of writing finally makes sense, you feel the same — plus an extra layer of disbelief.
“I made it…? I made it!”
*****
Whether you’re in the back seat of a taxi or navigating the wild streets of your own imagination, the journey will be chaotic, confusing, and unexpectedly enlightening. You may not arrive the way you planned — but hey, at least you arrived.
And in both writing and taxi rides, that counts as a victory.
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