Goodreads asked Claire Delacroix:

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Claire Delacroix I don't believe in writer's block. For me, writing is what I do. It's my job and I treat it as one - although writing books is the very best job in the world! I have a certain word count that I like to achieve each day, so I sit down at my desk and write those words. I write 3000 to 5000 words a day, in complete scenes.

Some days, the words flow more easily than others, of course. When I'm completely stuck, it means I've taken a wrong turn in the story I'm writing - which either has painted me into a corner, or has me trying to compel the characters to do something they wouldn't do. When this happens, I delete the last paragraph of the last scene I wrote. I go and make a fresh pot of tea, and if I don't know what comes next by the time that's ready, I delete another paragraph. I continue deleting chunks until I hear the characters' voices again, then sit down to write my words for the day.

There are situations in which writers can't write, but for me, this has been when changes in my personal life affect my creativity. I find the exercises in The Artist's Way very helpful when this happens.

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