In The Pursuit of Happiness: Liz's story (part two)

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All writers dread two little words...writer's block. How do you deal with it?
I suffer from writer's block just as much as the next person. I've learned a few tricks to help myself get through it. The first is the outline that I mentioned before. If I have a general sense of where the story is going, it helps jump start my writing if I do get stuck. Second, I force myself to write. I park myself in front of the computer, put my fingers on the keyboard and type. Even if I only get 100 words, at least it is more than I started with. Or if it's crap, I can always edit it later. And third, sometimes I just have to work on a different project. That helps me to refocus.

What is your advice for aspiring writers?
Check your ego at the door. Listen to what editors tell you. If you get rejected, try to find a way to improve the story, then try again. Be persistent. Do your homework before submitting to people. Be persistent. Be persistent. Be persistent.

Tell us about your books. Where did the inspiration come from?
I have three novels and three novellas currently available. My first novel, In the Spotlight, and the sequel, Curtain Call, were inspired by my work with high schoolers as well as my own time in high school theater. The stories are set in my hometown and on my Alma mater's campus. Both books follow the love story of Hannah and Josh. Hannah's a great character who really has her head on straight in the first book. She's smart and sweet. I like to think she'd make a good friend. She really learns how to step out of her comfort zone and embrace her future. The second book looks at her life five years later. I decided to write about her quarter life crisis (a few years early). In the second book, she really grows up and has to make real decisions about her future. One of my novellas, The Hidden Door, is also set on my Alma mater's campus. Anyone who went to my college would be able to recognize the setting and be able to walk through the scenes with the characters.
 --By Liz P.S. You can read Part One of Liz's story here. :) P.P.S. How do you pursue your happiness, friends? I'd love to hear your story, so feel free to send them to mellow1422 (at) aol (dot) com!