(Mouse down slows scrolling)

A BLANK PAGE or staring off into space — that's how it always seems to start. Ideas bob up, words, maybe the right words to get it going.

AND WHO will read these words, these lifelines from ship to shore?

ONE IDEA HAUNTS ME, a question: How does one learn? How does one "grow up" to be a different person? (Where is this going…?)

JUST PUT pen in hand, butt in chair, mind in motion, and write. Anything.

ANGRY? FRUSTRATED? BORED? OK, now you've got some material to work with. Chip away.

A BLANK PAGE is only scary before you dive in. No word is wrong, at this point. Write many words and your chances increase exponentially.

LOOK AT the column on the right. Where do you fit? Which end of the stick will you pick up?