INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Journals are a writer's best friend. If you're out at a coffee shop, in a bar, or riding public transportation, you will witness all kinds of fascinating displays of humanity. By watching other people in their day-to-day interactions, you can generate plenty of ideas for characters. You might also have a sudden and brilliant realization, in which case you'll want to write it down right away so you don't forget it.  Write down observations you make, people/places/things you see and hear, and the thoughts that occur to you every day. You can fill your journal with ideas as they come to you, or simply use it as a place to gather your thoughts when you're outside the house. When you keep a detailed journal, it's much easier to jump into writing during your designated writing time. You'll have ideas, snippets of conversation you've overheard, or thoughts that struck you, and you may be able to turn those items into stories or poems. Researching people, places, and things that interest you can be very productive for writers. You may generate ideas, or simply have researched information at your fingertips if you decide to write about that subject.  A research file allows you to compile bits of historical texts, literary texts, and newspaper columns in one place. Research is valuable for genres outside of nonfiction. You may use a research file to develop a piece of historical fiction with accurate details, or even in poetry as a sort of "word bank" to draw unusual phrasings from. Writing prompts are a great way to get your writing wheels turning. Prompts can help you break through writer's block, generate ideas, or just stay in practice with your writing.  You can buy books of writing prompts or rent one from your local library. There are many, many writing prompts available online for free. Search for "writing prompts," or check Writer's Digest's writing prompts page at http://www.writersdigest.com/prompts. You can also create your own writing prompts with specific rules. For example, you might give yourself a prompt that requires you to write a 12 line poem that includes the words “grit,” “right,” and “drastic.”

SUMMARY: Keep a journal. Compile a research file. Try using writing prompts.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Many people experience a dry mouth or dry throat during moments of fear, which may make talking difficult. If you're shy or anxious, you might want to try keeping a glass or bottle of water on hand so you can have a drink before you speak. Avoid caffeine or alcohol if you're already nervous/anxious. Caffeine can make you more stressed, and alcohol can lead to dependence. Shyness and fear often result in feelings of stress and pent-up energy. If you're too nervous to speak loudly, you may find it helpful to release some of that built-up stress beforehand. Try excusing yourself to the washroom and using that moment alone to stretch and move your muscles before you return to your group and speak up.  Stretch your neck forward, backwards, and side-to-side. Stretch your mouth open as wide as it will go. Lean against the wall and stretch your hamstrings, then stretch your adductor (groin) muscles by spreading your legs and leaning side to side. Stand about two feet from a wall and do five quick wall push-ups. Many people experiencing extreme shyness, fear, or anxiety suffer from unpleasant physical symptoms. These may include rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, light headedness, and feelings of dread. No matter what physical symptoms your shyness causes, deep breathing can help calm you down and reduce the symptoms of fear/anxiety.  Inhale slowly while counting to four. Breathe deeply into your diaphragm (below your ribs), rather than shallow chest breaths. Hold the breath in your diaphragm for four seconds. Exhale slowly while counting to four. Repeat several times until you feel your heart rate and respiration slow down.
Summary: Drink water before you plan on talking. Release some of your stress. Use deep-breathing exercises to manage your symptoms.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If your plant's leaves are shriveled up, then you may not be watering your plant enough. You may also notice that many of the leaves are falling off of the plant if this is the case. Take a handful of dirt from a few inches below the surface, and squeeze it in your hand. If the soil clumps together and stains your skin, the soil is very moist. You may be overwatering. If the soil falls apart without staining your skin, the soil is dry. You may need to water more. If your plant is very wilted and droopy, it might be unhealthy as a result of over-watering. Another way to tell this is by feeling the soil just below the surface. If it's very damp, then you may be giving your plant too much water. Over-watering keeps the soil continuously moist and prevents your plant from getting enough oxygen. This can cause root rot. Carefully remove your plant from the ground or its pot and observe the roots. If they're dark, mushy, and fall apart when you touch them, your plant probably has root rot. Discolored patches often form on the leaves of plants that have been exposed to too much sunlight. These patches are typically either very dark or very light in color. Your plant may be struggling because it's not getting enough sunlight. If this is the case, then the leaves are most likely much paler and smaller than they use to be. Different types of plants need to be cared for in different ways. While herbs and vegetables thrive when they're exposed to a lot of sunlight, excessive sun causes issues for ferns. Either go online or head to a local nursery to find care information specific to your plant.

SUMMARY:
Identify under-watering by shriveled leaves. Touch the soil to determine moisture level. Identify over-watering by dampness and droopiness. Check the roots for root rot. Recognize scorched plants by dark and/or bleached patches. Recognize overly shaded plants by their pale leaves. Look up care information for your plant.