Goodreads asked J. Elliott:

How do you deal with writer’s block?

J. Elliott I have various tactics. If the inspiration to write is not upon me, I do something related: research or artwork related to the story. When I first began Monkey Mind, I decided on cute little doodles as something to put in the time gaps besides a boring space. Then when I began writing ghost stories, the little space fillers soon became half-page fillers. While working on the art, I was thinking about the story. I don't write every day, but I'm thinking out plots, characters, locations and such every day.

If I truly can't figure out where a story is going, I keep asking questions. What if? Knowing your character well, you will know how your character will react in any given circumstance- run away or fight? Tell the truth or lie? There must always be tension, something that challenges the main character. "Ratchet the tension" is a mantra... throw obstacles, puzzles, problems at your character. Does your character make the right decisions about solving the problems? What would be funny? What would really surprise the reader here? What supporting characters can I use? Keep asking questions.

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