Goodreads asked L. MacNaughton:

How do you deal with writer’s block?

L. MacNaughton Writer’s block is actually a combination of two separate negative thoughts:

1. I don’t know what to write; and/or
2. Everything I write is terrible.

Let's call them Type 1 and Type 2 writer's block.

Type 1 writer’s block can make you feel like you’ll never be able to write again. The best way to beat that kind of writer’s block is to create as many ideas as you can. Sit down and brainstorm. Bounce story ideas off of a creative partner. Keep going until you come up with no less than ten different ideas.

Yes, some of them will be awful. That’s okay. Because all you need is one workable idea. Review your list of ideas and pick one. The least-worst one, if necessary. Then just start writing.

Type 2 writer’s block happens when we second-guess ourselves into paralysis. You get caught in the trap of trying to write and edit at the same time. The problem is, creativity doesn’t work that way. You need to get it all down on the page first, and then polish it up later. (Sometimes, MUCH later.)

So here's what you do. Set an easy quota for yourself: 100 words or 15 minutes. Then sit down and do it. Write everything that comes to mind. Give yourself permission to write badly. Get it all out on paper.

Then put it away and don’t look at it. Seal it in an envelope if you have to. Write a date on the front – tomorrow, next week, whatever. Only then will you take it out and start editing it, and you'll find out that it's not nearly as bad as you thought. In fact, you're probably a better writer than you think.

If you do all of these things -- brainstorm plenty of ideas, give yourself permission to write badly, and don't look at it again until later -- you'll beat writer's block forever.

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