Goodreads asked Ella J. Smyth:

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Ella J. Smyth I don't really believe in writer's block. I do believe there is always a reason whyI can't write. Usually, it has to do with something I don't know...

Sometimes, I haven't developed my characters enough to know what they would do next. The solution is to do an interview with my characters and get them to talk to me about their background, what made them who they are.

Sometimes, I don't know where the story goes. I'm one of those writers who freezes unless I've got an outline. The solution is to create a rough outline--just enough to carry me forward.

Sometimes, I get bored with my own writing, and none of the characters speak to me. The solution is to step back, go for a walk, watch a movie. Anything to not think about the problem. Usually, my brain fills in the gaps, and I know how to move the story forward.

I live by 2 sayings:

1) There's no point waiting for your muse to visit. Chase her down, club her over the head, and drag her to your desk by her hair. Writing is brutal! :D

2) The harder you work, the more luck (and inspiration) you'll have.

So I poke away at it until the writer's block disappears. Thanks for asking!

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