One of the tips I was given years ago was to find a bunch of music that inspires the work in progress, create a playlist in whatever manner you have at your disposal, and listen to it while you’re writing. Thanks to Mari’s advice, I’ve done that for each project I work on, and most of them are pretty distinct in both similarities and differences.

This week, I’m posting several utilities and articles that may be helpful in nudging your work along. See, it’s that time, the dreaded week two, where so many of us trip up and give up. So – not us, right? Let’s dive into it!

Neil Gaiman is the author of The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Neverwhere, MirrorMask and many others. In 2007, he gave a fantastic pep talk to the WriMos participating that year. That was the second year I won out of three, and I’ve participated since 2005. I was about to quit when I read this talk. Best of the best for the week two slump!

You’re right, it’s pretty much the same as my other crock-pot stew recipe, only this one has a bit more kick to it. I don’t usually add celery to my stews, but if you like it in yours, add a stick, chopped up!

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
 

Though he didn’t die in service to …