writer's block

     I think it’s safe to say that all writers have writer’s block at one time or another.  That doesn’t mean that the writer stops work though I’m sure some do.  As for the self-published writer, there is always a need for marketing your work when the block sets in.  For me – and I don’t think I’m alone – I always have more than one project going on at one time and other projects I’d like to start.
     I can’t continue with partial projects, so I always find one to focus on and to finish.  In those cases, I have to find a way to break my writers’ block.  What I have found most useful is simply walking.  I have a trail that I have made around my property.  I turn some music on my phone and walk at a good pace.  I like the exercise as well.  I don’t force a solution to come to mind.  I may go over my options, but my thoughts are not all-consuming.  My mind is also on the music and walking.  Somehow in this relaxed state ideas come to mind.  This is not, however, a 100% money-back guarantee.  Let me explain.
     There are primarily two types of writers.  One is the writer who knows the ending before he begins the story.  Some have even suggested that you write the ending before you begin.  That all seems logical.  But that’s not how I do it.  I fall into the second category.
    The second type of writer starts a story not knowing exactly where they’re going.  They rely on the plot and characters to take them to a satisfactory ending.  This type of story has its problems, but it is what I like.  What’s the fun in writing something when you already know the ending?  Believe me, some of these characters take you in directions that you never thought of.  I’m not unique in this category.  Stephen King also writes his novels in this way.  And, according to him, he has had problems with this type of writing as well.  Mostly it’s ending up in a dead-end and realizing there is nowhere else to go.
     Even when you know the ending of the story your composing, you’re not immune to writer’s block.  Assuming you don’t know every step that you will be taking to get you to the end.
     Sometimes you just have to push through writer’s block.  Inspiration is great, but you can’t always rely on it.  Don’t wait for it to happen.  I have found that if I keep pushing even though I don’t feel like it, inspiration will often show up.
Final thought: writer’s block is only a temporary condition.  Don’t let it stop you.