Lisa, a variety of subject matter is always available. Although I do research, getting it organized and coherent is daunting to me. If the adrenaline is flowing and the passion is there, I can often turn out something quickly but generally, turning something out is like trying to cook hamburgers on a grill where the coals don't want to ignite.

I can understand that completely. I've been working on a book of Native American Wedding Traditions for over a year now. I really want to get it done, and I have tons of research material, but organizing it all is stalling me. In the meantime I'm writing quickly for the low carb site and gaming sites and such, so it's something about that organizing task.

Does anyone have suggestions?

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.
- Mark Twain

This works for me!

I do that for a lot of things except when it comes to writing.

Really? It helps me to break things down and keep track of all my writing projects.

It's so easy to get overwhelmed by all the projects I have going on that I have to make a list and see which are closest to completion, which needs to be sent out, etc. I like to look at a sheet of paper that lists where each of them are in the process (query letters, outlining, research, posting, etc.)

And I table and prioritize them so I know that, for example, I give myself a two-week deadline to finish x project or two days to submit my latest articles and so forth. And then, just for today, I'll focus on one project. This way, my head clears away all of the other pressing projects that can wait.

Otherwise, I'd go mad!!!

I think I agree with Angie. With cleaning a room, I can say "I'll clean this one corner" and I know where to start. I can do that with many types of situations. But with writing for some reason if I have large piles of Native American research material, and I really want to do justice to all the tribes, it seems intimidating.

Angie - what are you trying to write? Maybe we can come up with a solution together!

Well, when we had the newsletter I would write the "letter from the president" and it would come pretty quickly. But if I want to write a column or article, it's like I hit the brick wall. I've often tried to figure out how to put together the "family history" I've been collecting for 40 years but that seems intimidating as well. I really admire everyone here who writes their articles. That is pretty cool.

Wow I can see how a family history would be really intimidating! All those people, all those stories!

What if you started just with the furthest back you could go, the very first 10 years? What would that be like? Do it as a serial, by decade?