Jessica McAulay asked Michael J. Sullivan:

Wow. I never thought that I could ask the Michael J. Sullivan for writing tips, but here I am. First I just want to say that your works of Riyria are amazing. Royce and Hadrian are amazing. I love the sarcasm the two share between each other. It is utterly hilarious. Can't wait for The Riyria Chronicles #5. So, I am currently in the process of writing a book, and is there any way that can help me avoid writer's block?

Michael J. Sullivan Hey there, thanks for reading and I'm so glad to hear you're doing some writing of your own. So, first off I need to say that I've never suffered from writer's block as it is most often defined. So, unfortunately I don't have a lot to offer on the subject. That, combined with the fact that every author breaks out of such things differently makes this a very difficult question for me to answer.

Now, with that said...I do get "stuck" from time to time. And I can usually get back on track by going for a walk...someplace secluded...and talking aloud. It's the "aloud" part that it's important. There is something about engaging the verbal processing area of my brain that somehow gets me through things. What I do is kinda like an interview, where I both ask and answer the question. Something along the line of

"So what is the problem?"
"Well I got Royce and Hadrian locked in a cell and I can't get them out."
"Gotcha. Would it be better for them to get themselves on their own, or for someone else to spring them?"
"I'd prefer they got themselves out."
"Okay, what have they been left with in the cell? Are the stripped down or do they have their clothing?"
"Just shirts, pants and boots."
"Is it possible that Royce made a place in his boots to hide a spare set of lock picking tools?"
"Hey maybe he could. Great. So that gets them out of the cell, but there are guards posted at the top of the stairs."
"Okay should they kill them, distract them, or incapacitate them?"
"Well, it's in the kingdom where they live so killing would have too high of consequences."

I just keep going on and on like that until I figure out the problem. I take notes while I'm walking and when I get back home I start writing again. Usually I can get my problem solved in 30 minutes to an hour.

I hope that helps.

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