Goodreads asked Alastair Puddick:

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Alastair Puddick Thankfully, I've never really had bad writer's block. As well as writing books, I've always worked as a professional writer - first as a journalist and now as a copywriter. I've certainly had days staring at a blank screen with no idea what to write. But magazine print dates don't change, and neither do clients' deadlines. So eventually, the ideas always come. And the words quickly follow. Nothing sparks ideas like a looming deadline.

With regards to books, I guess my only advice is to keep writing - anything and everything. Can't think of a plot for a novel? Write a short story, or maybe a poem. It might not feel like it at the time, but you might just spark the inspiration you're looking for. I've even thought of ideas whilst I've been writing dull, dry whitepapers for technology clients.

So don't stare at that white page. Fill it up with words. You'll probably delete 99% of them, but the 1% that remains might be brilliant, and could be the starting point of something great.

And if you still have nothing, take a break and make a cup of tea. Don't stress it. The ideas will come!

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