Emily asked Carol Goodman:

How do you deal with writer's block?

Carol Goodman There are two states that I associate with the term "writer's block." One is the little prickly sense of avoidance we have when we sit down to write. I think this is natural. You're about to dive into deep water. Who wouldn't prefer to lounge on the side of the pool with a Margarita instead? I'm used to that feeling enough just to power through. To sit myself down and stare at the page until I write a sentence. Maybe cross that one out and write another. Keep sitting there until more sentences come.

The other kind is when I'm familiar with is when I get to a difficult place in the story and I just don't know what's going to happen next. Then I might take a walk, wash the dishes, talk to the dog, pace around the house, etc. until it comes to me.

Otherwise, I don't tend to get major writer's block (knock on wood). I write for a living so if I stop the bills don't get paid. And it's the occupation that (along with teaching) I most love to do, so I do.

Thanks for asking!

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