Oh Hops...of COURSE you can do it! And, what's more, it will turn out great. I write for a living as well and I know that sometimes you just need to explore and muse a bit before that first sentence that gets you started finally hits you! Yes, you're working against the clock....but really time doesn't matter (except that you've got a deadline!). A really great piece can be written in 30 minutes or 30 days....It all depends.
I don't know about you, but when I finish a piece, I get a real adrenaline rush and a feeling of accomplishment and value. You will too. Just visualize how you'll feel when the last sentence has been written and spell check has been completed. More importantly, just think about what you really want to say....the words themselves aren't all that important...just getting the message on paper (er, computer) is really what it's all about, I have found.
I have been a journalist and writer all my life and I know sometimes the work comes easy...and sometimes you have to reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeach for it. But I've often found that just getting started is often the hardest...especially the intro or lead...So start in the middle or anywhere and go from there.
So hang in there...We're all behind you...And remember to visualize the finished work and how you'll feel. It's a good feeling...and it's just a few short hours away.
Sunblue
