What is your method for overcoming writer’s block?
In my experience, writer's block is usually caused by one of two things. Either we're forcing the story to do something that it doesn't want to, or else something in us refuses to accept the personal implications of the story we're telling. It's sometimes difficult to distinguish the two, but I find it helpful to literally ask the story, "How can I serve you?" or else to ask myself, "Why don't you want to be honest with the story?"
What are your favorite or most helpful writing prompts?
It's all part of a larger system. My most useful prompt is, "Get out of the way and let the story tell you want it wants."
What is the most valuable advice you received as a young writer?
The most valuable advice I received was from my long-ago writing instructor, whose pen name was William Tenn (his real name was Philip Klass). He was a professional with many years of experience. He emphasized, "Be a first-rate version of yourself and not a second-rate version of another writer."
