Goodreads asked Charles Gull:

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Charles Gull Writer's block is just that, a block in your writing flow. It can have many causes, but the result is the same. No creative writing comes out.

I consider myself fortunate to be multi talented (to a small extent).

I find it useful to remember that writer's block has two components and it is only in combination that they bother us. Take one of the components away and the other losses its power to frustrate us.

When I feel that my creative writing flow is drying up I do one of two things:

1. I concentrate on non-creative writing. This might be diary entries, emails to friends and colleagues or editing of my previous work. The objective is to remove the Block component. What I am writing doesn't matter. I simply concentrate on expressing myself as precisely and with as much quality as I can. Eventually, the ideas begin to bubble up.

2. I concentrate on non-writing creativity. I might bake some bread, knit a scarf, edit some photographs, practice on a musical instrument. Again the What isn't important. It is the fact that the brain is continuing to be creative. Furthermore, at the end once the writing is back on track I also have created a new nice thing to enjoy (especially when it is freshly baked bread!)

I hope this inspires you to find your own way to get over writer's block. I look forward to your comments and counter-suggestions.

Charles

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