Yesterday I met with professional writer, Amanda Washburn (sp?), for help in organizing my thoughts on the website. So that I could write it. She accepted my disorganized thinking pleasantly, even smiling when I suggested that I couldn't be creative and organized at the same time.

I have been looking for help in more than one place. On Small Business Saturday I went into a used bookstore and for $1 purchased a hardcover copy of “The One-Minute Business Writer” by Bell & Wyse It's already made me feel better. Apparently what I have been doing for months and months is 'pre-writing'. It's comforting to know it has a name.

 My search continues on the web. On writer's block Maya Angelou writes “I may write for two weeks ‘the cat sat on the mat, that is that, not a rat.’ And it might be just the most boring and awful stuff. But I try.”

 Another perspective is offered by English author Neil Gaiman: “Put it aside for a few days, or longer, do other things, try not to think about it.” Personally this is my favorite.

Before she left, Amanda and I created an outline/task list. My pre-writing days are numbered. Either that or get used to 'Jill went up the hill, with Bill, who's a real pill”.