On Writer's Block

A reader asks: “As an amateur who's trying to simply get in the habit of writing something coherent on a somewhat regular basis, I'd love to hear your take on the problem of "Writer's Block." I'd also appreciate any general tips or disciplines you might be willing to share.”

Certainly. Let me, before I answer, announce my disqualifications to answer: There are two major disqualifications to answering not merely this question, but any question on the topic of writing.

First, writing is mysteri...