Goodreads asked Liz Fenwick:

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Liz Fenwick I have three tricks to deal with writer's block…the first is to set an egg timer for 20 minutes and say to myself that I will write for just 20 minutes and it doesn't matter what it's about. Normally I end up writing for far longer but some how it takes the fear away because it's only 20 minutes.

The second is to rewrite the last scene I've written by hand. Somehow the process of writing by hand connects me to the story again and unlocks my mind and new words come.

Finally I read section of a craft book - usually one that has exercises like Donald Maass' Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook. I'll do one of the exercises and focus of a small part of the book. This normally frees my mind and I begin writing again.

For me writer's block is about two things….fear of failure and not knowing where the story is going. I'm not a planner really but I need to sense where it is I'm heading. If I don't have the sense then I stall.

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