India, Aug. 29 -- The way our minds think depends largely on the circumstances and experiences we're going through. Our moods fluctuate mercurially at times, and we tend to give in to them rather more when they're at their worst. A peppy mood will probably pass by quicker and won't leave a mark. A sullen mindset would usually linger longer and might even leave a bitter aftertaste.

We writers are not immune to moods either. We'll fret and fume, pace about and meander, hum and haw. We might even pull our hair out. Writing is exacting as a profession, or even just as a pursuit. It can scour some layers off one's insides, and it can scorch the coolness off even the most unflappable of writers. At times, searching for a word, a phrase or even...