A career in writing is often likened to a roller coaster ride. One day, things are purring along fine, and then--that great big fist in the sky. . . well, you know. For the most part, my career as been quite even, with dips and heights. I'm in an occupation that I love, and that is the gravy. But in writing, as in any other career, there are dangerous passages--career changes, editors changing, lines closing. To make the best of this, a career writer must be aware of changes and opportunties. If you are not a published writer, I thought you might be interested in how it sometimes feels. If you are a published writer, you've undoubtedly had times like this. This picture was taken on vacation, touring the Southwest. My family walked across the bridge and I drove across. There are rattling planks on the bridge and people walking around on it. Far, far below the craggy walls is a tiny thread of railroad tracks.