RE: How to get started...

**"* M* <e*@impact-pr.com>**

I was given some great advice - carry a tape recorder.  Anytime you have
thoughts about an article, click on and begin speaking or talk with a
close friend while you are recording.  Having someone talking with you
gives many new perspectives. 

Another great idea I was given while working on my thesis - never
overwork.  The longer you are at the computer the more frustration can
occur - blocks.  Five hours tops - walk away for 20 to 30 minutes and
come back.  Humans are optimally productive for five hour stretches
before the productivity falls dramatically. 

Eva Monheim

Garden Media Group

610-388-9330

-----Original Message-----
From: gardenwriters-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[g*@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Sandie
Parrott
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 11:54 AM
To: Garden Writers -- GWL -- The Garden Writers Forum
Subject: Re: [GWL] How to get started...

Melanie,

It seems like the greater my info and the more important the person 

or subject is...the harder it seems it is to write the article :>)

Two things I like to do.

Let it cook - This means I walk away from it...do something totally 

fun and just forget about it for a while.  Do NOT let yourself think 

about it...do something absorbing...like shopping!  If you have time, 

sleep on it.  Usually, you wake up with some great ideas.  

Outline - This is what you were taught in school, but my version 

really works.  I make a list of topics or things I absolutely want to 

include.  Then I pick the easiest and write a paragragh or two.  

Then I pick the next easiest...and so on.  Before you know it, you 

have several paragraphs to arrange and you are on your way.

Oh, and I never call it "writer's block".  I just say I'm not sure where

to begin, or I'm stuck on how to approach it.  I think saying "writer's 

block" is too negative and suggestive to our mind and attitude.

Sandie Parrott  

----- Original Message ----- 

From: Melanie <m*@optonline.net>  

To: Garden Writers -- GWL -- The Garden
<g*@lists.ibiblio.org>  Writers Forum 

Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 11:09 AM

Subject: [GWL] Getting in the mood

Writer's block - arrgh! I was wondering what tips all you experts have
for those moments you deal with writer's block.

I'm currently working on an article on George Rasmussen, a man who
should be known by more gardeners as a world class daylily and hosta
hybridizer. The fact that he lives locally and has been a mentor to me
for 10 years has my fingers in knots. Is it possible to know too much
about your subject?

Thanks in advance for any ideas,

Melanie Vassallo

Garden Writer/Lecturer/Photographer

melaniev@optonline.net

  _____  

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For GWL website and Wiki, go to
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