Goodreads asked Richard McClellan:

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Richard McClellan The mixed blessing of having many story ideas defined allows me to work on another one if the current story is at a standstill. I find that time, and perhaps a different perspective, helps define how the story moves forward.

Disclaimer: I am a "pantser," one who writes by the seat of my pants without the aid of an outline (usually). I know, that seems at odds with my analytical, technical background, but it is what it is. Don't look to me for explanations why.

I also am in the habit of writing scenes when I get an idea for one. It may not even be used in the current story, but the inventory of ideas, especially dialogue, has proven invaluable.

Another benefit is that I can write out events from the back story that do not even appear in the book but are referenced. Knowing exactly what happened and when, who did what, is helpful in writing about it from a character's perspective years later. It also helps to define their motivations and goals for the story.

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