What is your method for overcoming writer’s block?
For writer's block, I turn to Oscar Wilde, "Plumbers don't get plumber's block, and doctors don't get doctor's block; why should writers be the only profession that gives a special name to the difficulty of working, and then expects sympathy for it?" (Then I just get to work.)
What are your favorite or most helpful writing prompts?
I need a morning warm-up, and these days I post on Facebook and read a few favorite blogs to get started. There's always a gem lurking there or in one of the groups I belong to, and I'll riff off that, use it as writing prompt, and slide into my work-in-progress.
What is the most valuable advice you received as a young writer?
From the book "Faster" by James Gleick, I learned that it shouldn't take more than seven seconds to switch focus from one project to another. I've saved a lot of transition time since! I don't wait for ideal conditions, or for the muse; I rest for 7 seconds and move on.
