The tomato plant looked like it was dying, with unstaked branches that sprawled across the hot ground. Despite the wilted and soft leaves starting to turn brown, it still sported plenty of shiny red cherry tomatoes. But they wouldn’t last long at this rate, and without a little TLC, its clusters of tiny green balls would never ripen.

I stuffed the suffering plant into my EuroVan, a last-minute addition to a joint plant rescue mission staged with a friend. Three minutes after returning home, I had given the poor thing a long, cold drink.

That afternoon, I liberated its matted brown roots from a pot three times too small, unwound them, and carefully plopped the root ball into dark, damp soil and a much larger pot. Next came the tomato cage–not the usual round one but a cage that you put together one stake and crossbar at a time.

I was expecting the plant to go into at least minor shock. I would have. My friend predicted it would lose all its fruit.

Neither of the above happened.

The plant–looking grateful–is flourishing and producing tomatoes faster than ever. It seems determined to deliver ripened fruit bursting with flavor before the frost that’s always around the corner in Bend this time of year.

Amazing what a difference the right environment and nourishment can make–something we writers need to keep in mind.

So, ask yourself whether you’ve created the right environment for yourself when it comes to writing. Is it comfortable enough? Too comfortable? Does the space make you happy and productive, or do you feel confined and stressed?  Can you make it work even better? Or do you need to switch things up completely?

Next, consider how you’re getting nourished as a writer. Do you need inspiration that some targeted reading might provide? Or do you need feedback and someone to brainstorm with? If you feel like you’re pitching into a black hole, consider joining a writer’s group (as long as the members are supportive rather than being on their own ego trips) or hiring a writing/book coach.

Be honest with yourself about what you need when it comes to the right environment and nourishment to take your writing to the next level. Then take those necessary steps so you can produce as freely and abundantly as my newly inspired tomato plant.