Writing is directly affected by mood. It’s like the connection between what you’re supposed to do and what you really want to do.  When I find I’m having a slow start on writing any part of a novel, I find it helps to concentrate on my favorite character. I am not a fan of brainstorming but it’s really an essential tool of writing. To develop your characters, section off your blank paper (8 1/2 x 11″) with three vertical lines drawn equally apart, top to bottom. At the top of one column, write the name of your main character. Over the top of another column, write the name of your villain and over the remaining column, write the name of your victim (one character may be a combination of these – like the hero might also be the victim). Under each name, list 4 of that character’s strengths. Skip a couple of lines and under the strengths, list 4 of that character’s weaknesses.  OK -NOW! This simple brainstorming will drive your plot, so create a few circumstances in which these characters interact, using their strengths and weaknesses, and see which circumstance warrants more development.  More soon…