What is your method for overcoming writer’s block?
Go work on another project that is totally different. It will free your mind, but a bit of your creative juices still will be focusing on the original problem and will eventually solve it. If that fails, take a long walk or a hot shower. Daydreaming is also recommended.
What are your favorite or most helpful writing prompts?
The only perfect place to write is in your head. Spend less time on assembling a physical place to write or superstitiously gathering the perfect pen, desk or writing hours and get your mind in the zone. Immerse yourself in the story to such an extent that that’s all you want to work on wherever you happen to be. As a published author you will have far less time to hide away somewhere and write. You will find yourself writing on the road, on tour, in less than an ideal place. The frame of mind is what counts and will allow you to be incredibly productive. The rest of the stuff are just false obstacles that often give writers an excuse not to write.
What is the most valuable advice you received as a young writer?
Approach every book as if it’s your first novel. Fear each time that you can’t bring the magic again. Fear is a great antidote to complacency. Once a writer thinks he’s figured out what he’s doing, he’s lost the creative edge that made his books great. The source was Bill Goldman, the screenwriter and novelist.
