Goodreads asked Merry Jones:

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Merry Jones There's no single simple answer for this question. Sometimes, I give myself a few days or even a couple of weeks off. During this period, I do NOT write. After a while, the discomfort of not writing becomes too great, and I start again.

Wait, you say. How do you start again if you're blocked?

Good point. So first, I make an outline of a plot. Then I follow the outline, step by step, while getting to know the characters. I find that to recover from "blocking," it's important to write regularly and give myself a reliable rhythm, a regular "time slot" for writing with a disciplined schedule. As the blocking eases up, I can ease up on the discipline.

Also, I give myself permission to be less than perfect. If I insist on creating high literature, nothing will ever be "good enough," and I'll be perpetually blocked. So I concentrate on telling a good story and sticking with it until it's done.

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