Article #12
A Writer's Slump

There's no such a thing as a real slump for a writer like there is for an athlete in sports.  In America's favorite pastime sport, baseball, and that's even questionable today after the players' strike of a few years ago, a baseball player may be in a true batting slump after he's been at the plate a number of times --during a three-week period -- and can't seem to buy himself a base hit. That sports fans is a batting slump!

There's no such thing as a real slump for writers.  Their creative juices may not be flowing as plentiful as they would like, but they - the juices - can be stimulated easily enough by a few simple exercises.

Let's assume you've written your first manuscript, even gotten it published, and are now having a rough time in collecting your thoughts for a plot in your next book, another novel.  Your story line seems to be bogged down but maybe it's not really your storyline that's bogged down.

Rather, it could be your lack of motivation.  Maybe you've already said everything you wanted to in your first book and you're really not motivated by more money, fame or any of the other reasons there are for being a writer.

If that's the situation, then fold up your tent and forget it.  However, that's probably not the case.  More typical is you need a little stimulation for the creative juices to start flowing again.  Okay, here some suggestions.

	While you're drafting your first manuscript, ideas for a second book will pop into your head. Spell out a brief plot in a few written pages or so. List your major characters in two or three sentences each. List your minor characters in also two or three sentences each. Then file the outline away in a special drawer so you won't forget the ideas
	Pick up a few magazines that have some good short articles, articles that appeal to your taste. This might give you some ideas. Jot them down and file them away for future use.
	Read the newspapers and magazines like Time and Newsweek searching for current news items that might appeal to your imagination for a novel.
	Exchange thoughts with your friends who are avid readers.  Discuss the kinds of stories that best appeal to them.  They'll be happy to share some of their experiences with you -- even flattered.
	Review with a family member some of your early background experience in schools, your social schedule over the past few years, university or college days and then in the workplace.  Maybe the following suggestions will help you. Love affairs and marriages. Long friendships. Family matters tragedies relationships siblings Goals Social Family Professional Genealogy Extra curricular activities like the theatre, concert, sports, symphonies and hobbies.

Now at least you've started thinking in a positive fashion and the creative juices should be stimulated.  Don't give up so easily, you'll come up with a good plot -- so long as you're really motivated to do so.

Good luck!