How can writers incorporate this unrestrained way of being into their own lives? It may be as simple as looking at who you are and what you enjoy doing. How one writer relaxes and refuels his/her creativity may vary greatly from another.

Here are some questions to ponder:

1. When you think about taking a break from writing, what comes to mind for you? 2. Are you feeling guilty for thinking about time spent away from your writing? 3. Are you relishing thought of a rewarding experience that can help fuel your energy to write again? 4. If you do not take breaks, how do you feel? 5. What signs do you recognize in your body?

It is no surprise that by taking more breaks from your writing, you will feel better and enhance your creativity. The sooner you can become aware of what depletes your energy and recognize what works for you in refueling your creativity, better off you will be as a writer.

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." Pablo Picasso

Copyright 2003, Lisa Collazo. All Rights Reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lisa Collazo is a licensed clinical social worker and personal and professional writer's coach. She helps writers discover their authentic voice and challenges them to begin taking risks with their writing. Ms. Collazo's services for writers include individual telephone coaching.

If you need a complete manuscript in order to publish it yourself, price range is even more extreme. Experienced ghostwriters typically charge between $7500 and $75,000 to write a book. But again, a freelance writer may charge you less, typically $3000 to $5000, in order to publish her first book. And I have had talented students offer to write entire books as a college internship, for as little as $500.

Where To Find Ghostwriters

For more established ghostwriters, try:

The American Society of Journalists and Authors — This is nation's leading organization of over a thousand independent nonfiction writers. They have a Writer Referral Service at (212) 398-1934, fax (973) 257-1851, or mailto:writers@asja.org. They charge $75 to $150 to help you find a writer, depending on how much they help with your search.

The Editorial Freelancers Association — They are a national, nonprofit, professional organization of self-employed workers in publishing and communications industries. EFA has a job board where you can post your need for a ghostwriter at http://www.the-efa.org/forms/jobphoneform.html

The Authors Team http://www.AuthorsTeam.com - Has experienced writers who have written about every topic imaginable. Some have ghosted for bestselling authors, others have worked for Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur and L. A. Times. For more information, call 866-7-AUTHOR.

To find inexpensive freelance writers, try http://www.writersmarket.com. A subscription costs $3 per month. Look up magazines in your state, call editors, and ask them for recommendations.

Or you can post a free ad in ezine WritersWeekly.com. You can also search for writers on http://www.elance.com, http://www.moonlightmedia.com, and http://www.writerfind.com.

If your budget is better suited to hiring a college student, call English or Creative Writing department of your local university. Ask administrator to send an e-mail to students in her department about your need for a ghostwriter. You can also try students who write for their college newspapers. There is a comprehensive web site that lists most college newspapers at: http://newsdirectory.com/college/press/

With a little effort, you can find a ghostwriter who will work within your budget. Make sure you check references, especially if you plan on having her come into your home. Put together a contract that includes how much you will pay, whether you will offer royalties, and how ghostwriter will be credited. Make sure you include a sentence that says that you will be exclusive owner of copyright for your work. It’s a good idea to have a lawyer check over your contract before you sign it.

For more information, read Write a Book Without Lifting a Finger, available at http://www.writeabooktoday.com. For a free ezine with tips on how to find an agent, get published, publish your own book and get publicity for it, go to http://www.AuthorsTeam.com.