Goodreads asked Joshua Gayou:

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Joshua Gayou Writer's block is combated through the application of discipline and planning. If you're writing a story, you should have a point that you're making. Some overall idea that states "X does Y" (in other words, a plot and theme). Examples of story points include "Power Corrupts" or "Love can and will endure anything". It's a central point you want to drive home.

Following that, you need some characters and a set of circumstances they need to be subjected to. There needs to be some conflict that allows them to demonstrate and personify the point you're trying to make.

The longer you spend thinking about this, the closer you're going to come to having an outline, whether you keep it in your head or you scratch it out on a notepad. Once you have enough of the story laid out with the principle characters, you'll have a road map that you can fall back on when you run into writer's block.

Can't think of anything more to write? Look at your road map and figure out what the next problem is that you have to set up and solve.

And above all: be disciplined.

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