Goodreads asked Jack Wells:

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Jack Wells It's a simple question that requires a complicated answer. Realistically there is no "right" way to deal with writer's block. Especially since it can manifest in numerous ways.

Sometimes it's due to a lack of ideas, in which case all you can really do is wait. Brainstorm. See if anything in the real world sparks a concept.

Other times is due to just not being in the groove. The ideas are there, and you pretty much know where the story is going, but you're just not feeling it. And this was the hard one for me. For so many years, if it didn't "feel" right when I was writing, then I simply wouldn't write. The muse had to be hitting in just the right ways. Which, for me, rarely happens. So I was only writing when I was in the zone, which meant not a lot of writing got done. As long as you have the basic framework established, the best thing to do is just write. Even if it's perfunctory and bland. You can always come revisit later and make the flourish edits (which are easier to make once the gist is down anyways).

The third way in which it manifests for me is when I'm starting a new chapter. I may know exactly what will transpire, but I just can't think of the "best" way to kick it off. Again, the cure for this issue is just writing. Even if you start in the middle of the chapter and have to work backwards later. It's so much easier to add to things that are already there. And getting middle or end-of-chapter details may provide the needed inspiration to know exactly how it should all start.

flag