Research Block

Man, I've got it bad, and that ain't good. So much research to do, and so little time. I barely have time to read or do any of the writing exercises I listed below. The thought of having to do the research is so daunting that I don't even want to start, yet I don't feel like I can write more of the story 'til I've done the appropriate research.

I had great momentum on this story until I hit the really big research bit. I dove right in, got a good start, then just plain ran out of steam. I should really re-read the story, so I can get excited about it again. Sometimes I just go ahead and write, but it's frustrating knowing I'm going to have to go back through later and fill in so many gaps. This is why professional writers have research assistants. I have a cat. He's very cool, but not so great with the details on rural life in the 1950s South. I have a great lineup of books assembled that I think will help flesh out most of the missing detail, but good lord, there are a lot on the list. Ah well, it's a nice problem to have, I suppose...