Cintia asked Elizabeth Boyle:

Hi, my name is Cintia and I'm from Argentina. Being a writer is what I want the most in this world, nothing makes me happier than writing, but I'm more and more frustrated with each passing day, because I've been blocked for 3 years. And it is not that I have an unfinished story. I have NOTHING AT ALL. A blank page in front of me, that only makes me sadder... Is there a way to overcome this? How do you handle it?

Elizabeth Boyle I believe in plotting before you ever start to write. Because if you don't have a list of scenes to move through, how do you know which way to go? I will start with an exercise of coming up with 20 things that could happen in your story--anything that comes to mind. And I mean anything. Just write them down. Keep going until you have at least 20--but keep going if you have more! :)

Then arrange them in somewhat the order that you think will tell the story best and dive into that scene. But still, not at the computer.

I like to start with a pen in hand and a notebook and a good cup of coffee. Then I might just describe the scene. What does the room look like? Who is in it? What are they saying? Just start to visualize it and start jotting notes. Before know it, the scene will blossom out in front of you and the words will flow.

Don't worry if they are good enough or the right ones, just tell your story. You can fix them later.

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