Renewal Through Research

I've been blogging about my struggles with my WIP.  Yesterday, in an attempt to renew the fire for my WIP, I decided to do some research. 

When I first thought of the idea for my story I had to do quite a bit of research and I absolutely loved the process.  I've had to do small bits of research throughout as well, but it's been quite some time.

My story takes place in two different time periods, one being the early 1900's.  Yesterday, I got online and found some amazing things that indeed renewed that fire. 

When in doubt I shall research from now on because knowledge is power, or so says the saying, and I would have to agree, power over the looming mythical 'writers block'. 

I was able to find, which I hadn't before, a real town that my fictional town could be based on, giving me new ways to expand on the writing.  I also was able to find out further foundations for my characters so that they could parallel each other even more. 

Research, research, research!  Even if that information I find never makes it into the story, it gives me insight and power over my story.  Power that I have been lacking for a long time.  Research is Power!!!

What renews your fire when you've encountered that ghost we call 'writers block'?

My Key to Writing Happiness

I woke up this morning to a quiet house.  Husband and son left for work, my daughter fast asleep in her bed.  Just me, the dog, and a pot of coffee.  Perfect time for me to work on my WIP that I'm always talking about. 

Sitting at my computer, at the kitchen table, I had a thought.  What is the key to my happiness?  I'm not talking about the grandiose kind of happiness that one strives for in life...but the happiness that comes with my writing life. Writing happiness that makes me feel whole and fulfilled, each and every day. 

I composed a list.  Here it is and these are in no particular order:

1) fresh flowers in my home

2) coffee

3) my dog lying at my feet while I write

4) colored pens

5) soft music in an otherwise quiet house

6) a clean house

7) being able to write each and every day, even if it's only 250 words

8) books

9) a variety of journals/notebooks to write in

10) researching for my plot and characters

What makes you happy in your writing life? Or your creative outlet life?

Share please!