| Plan Ahead: | | | | You will find as your list grows--maybe even to |
| The dreaded phenomenon known as "Writer's | | | | your great surprise--that you are actually quite an |
| Block" can happen to anyone. It can come silently | | | | authority on many things! |
| into your writing room, fiddle with your brain and | | | | Choosing An Item: |
| taunt you for hours. So, before the terror of | | | | From your Authority List, choose an item. If need |
| Writer's Block appears in your writing room, take | | | | be, close your eyes and point! The whole idea is |
| a minute, breathe and get ready to write! You are | | | | to get started writing again! |
| going to create a list called "My Authority List." | | | | The Item List: |
| The Authority List: | | | | Next, you will make a second list, the "Item List." |
| Often writers don't realize all the things they | | | | The Item List will consist of everything you can |
| actually know something about. Whether you | | | | think of about the chosen item. What is it? Who |
| know a lot or a little, start writing your list by | | | | works or plays with it? What is my experience |
| naming all the things you know something about. | | | | with it? When did I first learn about it? What are |
| Stumped already? Don't be. You are either a son | | | | the main points of interest about it to me? To |
| or daughter to begin with. Do you have siblings? If | | | | others? Is it a deeply personal item or do I wish |
| so, you are also a sister or brother and have | | | | to share it? Answer all of these questions as you |
| shared times with these family members so you | | | | examine the item you have chosen. |
| have memories. What are some of your finest | | | | Free Writing: |
| (and/or worst) memories? Friends? Who are | | | | Now, based on the Item List you have created |
| they? A pet? What do you know about your cat | | | | and without editing or questioning your words, |
| or dog? List the things you like: chocolate, a sandy | | | | start writing. Write about each entry on the Item |
| beach, blueberry pie. List the things you don't like: | | | | List. Don't stop. Just continue writing until you |
| shoveling snow, a flat tire, being lonely. List your | | | | have covered all the entries on your Item List. |
| heartaches and your happiest moments ever. List | | | | You can go back and edit your work later. But, |
| your hobbies, the books you've read, the movies | | | | for now, you have created a new piece of |
| you've liked or disliked. What about charities you | | | | written work. Give yourself a pat on the back! |
| think are wonderful; whether you support them | | | | You have conquered the dreaded Writer's Block! |
| financially or not, they are a good list item as you | | | | Add and Update Your Authority List: |
| can quickly find information about them and write | | | | Don't forget to add to and update your Authority |
| a promotional article. | | | | List often! You will be able to go back again and |
| It's All About You: | | | | again to your Authority List whenever you need a |
| Are you getting the drift here? Your Authority | | | | subject to write about. It will save you from the |
| List is all about you! Everything and anything you | | | | agony of Writers block as often as needed. And it |
| know, have ever done or wish to do in the | | | | will provide you with a vast and varied personal |
| future. Everything you've ever experienced. Every | | | | bank of information for future writings. |
| celebration you've ever had, attended or planned. | | | | |