You all know Orson Scott Card, I presume. I came across this quote in a larger interview with him in late 1999 just before the release of _Ender's Shadow_. During the course of the interview, the topic turned to the issue of writer's block and how he handles it. As it turns out, he has someting of a unique perspective on it: http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/sep99/card.htm You are so prolific. Have you ever faced the curse of writer's block? If so, how did you deal with it? "I don't feel prolific. I'm keenly aware that if I could ever find the discipline to work steadily, I could write six books a year. My total of less than two a year tells you exactly how unsteadily I work (sighs). As for writer's block, I regard it as my unconscious mind telling me that I'm making a gross mistake in the project I'm working on. It's not a problem, it's a blessing, and the mystery is to find out the mistake, toss out the ineffective section, and write a new version that works. This sometimes means throwing away as much as a hundred pages -- sometimes more -- but I have never found "writer's block" to be wrong. Whenever I'm stopped on a project, it's because I was doing something false or weak, and when I get it right, it becomes more powerful and true." johne (phy) cook wisconsin, usa "A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man." - Jedediah Springfield _________________________________________________________________ Shop online for kids’ toys by age group, price range, and toy category at MSN Shopping. No waiting for a clerk to help you! http://shopping.msn.com