Cameron Montague Taylor is a fantasy author and fiction editor who, as far as I can tell so far, has great advice to give would-be authors like myself. Here’s what she had to say on the topic of writer’s block.

Inspiration Problem

The writer’s block most folks identify with immediately. You can’t think of what to write or you’re stuck midway in a project. Been there, done that. Frankly, you could say this is the status of my book, languishing in the land of “Inspiration Evaporation.” According to Cameron, this is the one that you can successfully push through by establishing a writing routine and ‘just doing it.’ That’s how I managed to squeeze out this post.

Concept Problem

This is when you’re stuck because something isn’t working in your project. It’s possible this too, is part of the issue with my book, and Cameron also gives good advice here. Go back to the last place where you felt good about the project and really analyze what comes next. Why doesn’t it work? What path does it take you on that leaves you feeling flat?

Exhaustion Problem

Ding ding ding! “If you are burned out in any facet of your life, it is extremely difficult to draw on your creative well and everything is going to feel grey and the manuscript is going to come out like nails.” I feel seen. Her recommendation? Read. Fill up that creative well with content that inspires you. So, knowingly, instinctively or coincidentally, that’s what I’ve been doing. Has it helped? Yes, I think so. Although I haven’t cracked open my manuscript yet, I have started to jot down ideas and am back to noticing things I’d like to write about when the moment is right. That’s half the battle as far as I’m concerned.

I remain hopeful that before long, I’ll be un-blocked. Until then, read on.