Writer's Block

The best tip I've every been given when it comes to the infamous "writer's block" is to work on my story in a another manner. Research, cover design and even watching Youtube videos of places I like to set my stories in are keys to breaking my creative block.

Research is my favorite. No matter how much I investigate, the paths of history never seem to end. And I can easily dip back into an inspiring storyline.

Take Betty Parris for example. Betty was the nine-year-old girl who was involved in the Salem Witch Trials by making accusations of witchcraft after having episodes or "afflictions" as they are documented. Strange behavior began happening to the daughter of Reverend Parris, such as barking like a dog and her body twisting into strange positions as though she were being hurt by invisible forces. Her cousin Abigail, also living under the same roof, had the same fits of disturbed behavior.

The diagnosis was witchcraft.

And soon, other young girls in Salem Village began experiencing these episodes and accusations flew as to who was causing them. Tituba, a slave from the West Indies who lived in the Parris household, was named.

It was this fact that inspired "The Trials: Secrets, Spells and Tales" and will continue in "Spellbound".

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